Assisi - 1982 - the political situation of the cold war that reverts to the regional con- and to economic inequality between rich and poor countries, obliges us to consider the problems of war and peace.
I am urged to wonder if peace car n be a r realistic goal and not just a dream! Is Peace a possibility? The subject of Peace is very much alive Assisi and I became involved in the founding of the International Centre for Peace among Peoples, which for me has become a basic stage in my life.
In the month of February 1983 in the book "Peace" I summarised my intuitions of how to make Assisi the cross-roads of Peace we should gather here to study Peace, here antagonistic men should meet and get to know each other better, plan for the good mankind and to solve the problems of food and freedom. The idea was simple, possible and prophetic Many people were in favour of the plan. It was decided that it would be a good idea to present it and begin to put it into action.
A period of intense work for Peace followed which brought to maturity many fine ideas. My limited experience with many leaders from various countries such as the USA, URSS, and as far as Mozambique, which at that time was at war, helped me to understand that what seems like a, utopia, could work by relying on the value of dialogue and using new approaches.
This is useful not only in politics but wherever there is tension, fighting and problems to solve.
I have had experience of reconciliation in families I have helped on a human level, to solve differences; I have suggested a spiritual atmosphere in difficult negotiations; I have conciliated meetings of collaboration in economic competition.
Padre GianMaria Polidoro
The Sanctuary of Chiesa Nuova was built oil the spot where the paternal home of St. Francis once stood. It is situated in the historical centre of Assisi Today you can still see some of the original pouts of the old home.
It was here that St. Francis lived for the first 24 wears of his life Here lie spent the days of his childhood and the years of his youth with joyful songs and banquets with his friends, having dreams of great glory. Francis left his home to fight against Perugia in file battle of Collestrada, where lie was taken prisoner. Once he returned home he still was not satisfied, lie wanted to win a noble title. In a dream Francis saw a large palace full Of War weapons and knights and he heard a voice saying that everything would be his.
For this mason lie went to the region of Puglia to follow a great count who would make him a knight But the Lord made him understand that it did not mean human nobility So Francis returned home not knowing what his future would be to begin the marvellous experience of God that would lead him to conversion This is the reason why pilgrims and tourist pause to examine their daily life before God and to understand why this place has been chosen by the Movement ASSISI PAX as an inspiring place and juridical seal of the Association. The Sanctuary of the Paternal House of St Francis is the Sanctuary for file laity and for the family.