We all walk together, for some reason or other. Families enjoy walking together on a bright Sunday afternoon. Youths organise cross-country hikes to share time with each other. NGOs make their aims known through solidarity walks and marathons. We all know how good it feels when we manage to take a stroll with a friend with whom we can share our innermost thoughts.

Pope Francis dwells often on the term ‘walking together’. He urges all of us, whether Catholic or not, to go out of our comfort zones, to meet others, especially the most vulnerable, the poor and those seeking meaning in their lives.

When we speak of community, we mean walking together, we mean a group of people who share their lives together, whether it be because they live in the same town or because they are moving with each other towards a common goal.

We often wish to achieve an aim, to accomplish something that gives us fulfilment, but we find ourselves alone, and lack the encouragement to go ahead.

The Mariapolis is an opportunity to walk together with others, on various paths. The Mariapolis seeks to unite people of all ages to share, to sing, to enjoy time over ideals of solidarity and spirituality. For Chiara Lubich, the foundress of the Focolare Movement, the first Mariapolis was a holiday in the mountains with her friends, where they contemplated the joy of the love of God when people unite in His name.

Here too, the Mariapolis is being held from November 2 to 4, at the Ramla Bay Resort, Marfa. All are invited to participate in this weekend break with a difference.

Further information may be obtained from the Focolare Movement’s centre in Kappara by calling 2138 5801 or e-mailing focolare.malta@outlook.com.