(by Andy Gustafson)

I had the fantastic opportunity to travel to Rome last week. While there, I was able to attend the East Asian Economy of Communion annual meeting, and also to attend the Shape the World Summit 2025, put on by Consulus (Singapore) which brought together leaders from around the world.

I also got to travel to Castle Gondolfo, just south of Rome, and Roca di Papa, the worldwide central headquarters of the Focolare movement, a Catholic-inspired organization who founded the Economy of Communion movement in 1991. While at Roca di Papa, I was able to meet with Margaret Karram the president of the Focolare, as well as Ruperto Battison and Genevieve Sanze who oversee the Focolare work and sharing operations worldwide. We also had supper with Jesus Moran, the president of the Economy of Communion movement. None of this would have been possible without the help and support of Loretta Raushuber, who lived in Italy for 17 years and knows everyone it seems.

I also got a chance to finally meet in person Lawrence Chong, who is one of the most active Economy of Communion entrepreneurs in the world, and co-leader of Consulsus, an international consulting group. He is fully committed to the Economy of Communion way of doing business– putting people first, and seeing business as a means to bring communion with others and social transformation. He is inspirational, and it was very interesting to hear the various leaders speak at the conference Thursday.

It was a wonderful trip (although being away from Celeste and the kids for 5 nights was tough) and I think the connections made will have a lasting and ongoing impact on my life and work.