Alberto and Anna Friso, authors of the book Paths in Tuning.
«Carlo was the man of hope for us». Anna and Alberto Friso are the authors of Paths in tune. Carlo Casini and the Focolare movementthe volume recently published by Cantagalli which reveals the friendship between the founder of the Movement for Life and the founder of the Focolare Movement, Chiara Lubich: a personal bond that over time has transformed into close proximity between the respective Movements. We talk about it with the Friso couple, who have always been active with the Focolare Movement, on the eve of the national conference of the Life Movement Words of hopefrom 15 to 17 November in Mogliano Veneto. And this week we also dedicate space to the defense of life Christian familywhich dedicates the cover of the issue on newsstands to the intense testimony of the volunteers of the Cav of Bassano del Grappa.
How did the friendship between Chiara Lubich and Carlo Casini begin?
Anna Friso: «Carlo and Chiara met frequently, Carlo also frequented Loppiano (the international citadel of the Focolare Movement, in the province of Florence, ed) with his wife Maria and children. When, thanks to him, between 1977 and 1978, awareness-raising and the collection of signatures began for the presentation of a popular initiative law proposal on the acceptance of human life and the social protection of motherhood, Chiara wanted to participate massively with the movement. The Focolarine communities mobilized like never before: it was a great job, also valuable for acquiring a new awareness on the theme of life, and on its sacredness from beginning to end. For many it was also an opportunity for self-education, because in order to involve citizens in the reflection it was necessary to prepare. Many of us then continued to help the Movement, including as volunteers in the Centers for Life.”
Over time, therefore, the bond between the Pro-Life Movement and the Focolare Movement has grown…
Alberto Friso: «Yes, a profound spiritual and cultural harmony was born. Chiara expressed a spirituality linked to the life of the Gospel and to the community implementation of fraternity, Carlo strongly felt the call to listen to others and the joy of being with others: their experiences were consonant, I would say synodal. To understand how much mutual esteem there was, consider that – with Chiara’s “approval” – Carlo asked Lucia Fronza, very busy with the Focolare Movement and a parliamentarian at the time, to become vice-president of the Pro-Life Movement.”
And you, when did you know Casini?
Anna: «Precisely on the occasion of the popular initiatives of the Seventies in which we, then young married couples, also participated. Then from 1982, when the Movement asked us to move to Rome to follow the international activities of the family sector, the meetings with Carlo intensified: between New Families, the Forum of Family Associations, the Consultations of the CEI and the Pontifical Council for family there were many occasions in which we worked together. Today we are coordinators of the online network Amici di Carlo Casini, and the friendship continues with his family members.”
What kind of man was the founder of the Pro-Life Movement?
Alberto: «A person who listened to people a lot and sought dialogue. He was always “pro”, that is, in favor of: families, the common good, people. His mission was the value of life, he brought with him a message of a merciful Church. And then he paved the way… even in Parliament, where – despite being the most competent – he let us representatives of the families speak.”
Anna: «He instilled hope in us, I’ll tell you an anecdote to explain: in May 1981, after working so hard for the yes to life, in the referendum on abortion we stopped at 32 percent. We were dejected, Carlo on the other hand was unperturbed, he looked at the data positively, as if it were a starting point. Well, on that occasion he gave us the opportunity not to become demoralized, instilling in us the hope that in any case life would proclaim itself and find citizenship among us.”
For the book you collected hundreds of testimonies, what emerged?
Alberto: «We understood that Carlo is still considered alive today. There is a lot of gratitude towards him and his testimony guides the behavior and commitment of many. Collecting these testimonies was a gift for us: we felt like we always had Carlo close to us.”
What is Casini’s legacy?
Alberto: «In addition to what has already been said, a cultural work of vast scope. It has advanced the culture of man and humanity, bringing stimuli and ideas to many areas, from bioethics onwards. For us Carlo is a Christian realized in the most concrete way: he is a saint.”
We are approaching the “Pilgrims of Hope” Jubilee, what does Hope mean to you?
Anna and Alberto: «The hope we see is that which will come, and is born from the awareness that the truth about life is inherent in the very history of man: man has received life and is able, deep down, to read its value. Despite contrasts and ideologies, we feel that we are moving towards an ever deeper understanding of life.”
