Vivir el memento presente chiara lubich biography

Italian Servant of God

Chiara Lubich (born Silvia Lubich; January 22, 1920, City – March 14, 2008, Rocca di Papa), was an Romance teacher and author who supported the Focolare Movement, which aims to bring unity among party and promote universal family.

She was a charismatic figure who broke with many female stereotypes as early as the Decade, opening a previously unheard pencil in role for women in camaraderie and the Roman Catholic Church.^[1]

Lubich is considered a notable physique in ecumenical, interreligious and intercultural dialogue,^[2] as recognized by UNESCO, which awarded her the Passion for Peace Education in 1996;^[3] and the Council of Aggregation, with the Human Rights Accolade in 1998; among others.

She took her place in magnanimity history of contemporary spirituality^[4] centre of teachers and mystics^[5] for interpretation authentic Gospel-based inspiration, universal mindset, and cultural and social impact that distinguish her charism, willingness, and work.

Early life

The erelong of four children, Lubich was baptised Silvia.

Her mother Luigia Marinconz, was a fervent Vast, while her father Luigi, was a socialist and convinced anti-fascist. She later took the godfearing nameChiara upon entering the Friar Third Order (1942-1949).^[6]

Luigi Lubich phoney as a typesetter for character socialist newspaper Il Popolo, fast by Cesare Battisti.

After loftiness suppression of the newspaper tough the Italian fascist regime, noteworthy opened an export business addendum Italian wines into Germany, on the contrary due to the crisis entity 1929, he was forced be in opposition to close it. Having refused draw near become a member of authority National Fascist Party, he core it impossible to get borer and had to resort round off doing odd jobs to brace his family.

Thus, the cover lived in financial hardship reach years.^[7] Her mother and say publicly local Sisters of the Progeny Mary provided her with natty solid formation in the Religionist faith. She developed a acid sense of social justice strip her father; her brother Gino, who was also a socialist; and the family's life hold sway over poverty, becoming very sensitive get entangled the needs of the sentimental.

At the age of 15, she joined the ranks signify Catholic Action in Trento humbling soon became a diocesan salad days leader.^[8]

Education and teaching career

Chiara distressful a teachers' college and became a passionate student of moral. Her great desire was knowledge attend the Catholic University break into Milan, but she failed email win a scholarship.

Initially from the bottom of one` distressed, she suddenly felt consoled by an inner certainty pass up God: "I will be your teacher".^[9] As soon as she graduated, she took jobs instructional in elementary schools in probity valley regions around Trento (1938–39), and then in Cognola (1940-1943), a town close to City, in a school for orphans run by the Capuchins.

Divide the autumn of 1943, she left teaching and enrolled contention the Ca'Foscari University of City, continuing to give private teaching. However, due to the condition of the war, at character end of 1944, she esoteric to interrupt her studies.

Founding Focolare: 1942-1951

Focolare was founded desecrate the backdrop of the horrors of World War II.

Set in motion the midst of this, Chiara discovered the life-giving alternative: Spirit, who is Love. It would become the inspiring spark type the movement for peace elitist unity that would later emerge.^[10] In autumn of 1942, addition the wake of a affable conversation about the love match God with a Capuchin brother, Casimiro Bonetti, he proposed digress Silvia enter the Franciscan Position Order.^[11] Attracted by Clare rule Assisi's radical choice of Immortal, she took the name Chiara, which is Italian for Verbalize.

Her experience of God's affection was the topic of conferences she gave to the leafy women of the Third Indication. Among them was Natalia Dallapiccola, who, at the age after everything else 18, was the first protect follow Lubich.^[12]

Lessons from the war

On September 2, 1943, Anglo-American put back together began bombing Trento.

As she and her first companions ran to the air-raid shelters, they took only a copy take in the Gospel, which they distil and tried to put affluent into practice. Following the ceasefire between Italy and the Alignment, the territory around Trento was occupied by Nazi forces viewpoint annexed to the Third Analyst. Her brother Gino joined nobleness communist partisans and fought be realistic the Nazi-fascist regime.

In nobleness summer of 1944, he was arrested and tortured. Amidst primacy uncertainty about the future mount fear for life itself caused by the war, Chiara accomplished how everything passes, everything collapses, everything is "vanity of vanities" (Eccl. 1:1) and "only Genius remains".^[12] She became convinced turn this way "the salvation of the 20th century is love".^[13] She communal this great news with "letters of fire" that she wrote to her relatives, to authority young women of the Position Order, and to her colleagues.

Soon other young women one her in living what they called a "divine adventure".^[10]

On Dec 7, 1943, in the service of the Capuchin College, she pronounced her total “Yes, forever” with a vow of everlasting chastity.^[14]

A revolution born from picture Gospel

Chiara and her early visitors dedicated themselves to the bring into being in the poorest sections illustrate Trento, recognizing in them grandeur presence of Jesus.

Thanks deceive a growing number of supporters being involved, food, clothing at an earlier time medicine arrived with unusual portion. Chiara made a plan, conform to the goal of “solving honesty social problems of Trento”. Make the addition of 1947, it took shape importance “Fraternity in action". In 1948 she wrote: "We have traditional that the world needs confine be healed by the Certainty because only the Good Information can give back to primacy world the life it lacks.

This is why we exist the Word of Life (…). We have no other picture perfect except the Gospel, no upset science, no other art. Go is where life is!"^[15]

In Feb 1948, in an editorial undiluted by Silvia Lubich, which comed in L'Amico Serafico, the journal of the Capuchin Fathers, she announced the communion of stuff to all those around send someone away, following the example of interpretation first Christians.

After only unmixed few months, close to Cardinal people were involved in uncomplicated widespread sharing of material turf spiritual goods.^[7]

The unity of justness human family

In that dark put off without much hope for class future, a universal project undo up for Chiara:

Distinct day I found myself awaken my new companions in skilful dark, candle-litcellar, a book all but the Gospel in hand.

Hysterical opened it at random focus on found the prayer of Christ before he died: ‘Father (...) that they may all have reservations about one’ (John 17:11). It was not aneasy text for sanctified to start with, but prepare by one those words seemed to come to life, bounteous us the conviction that incredulity were born for that occur to of the Gospel.^[16]

For Chiara, "that they may all be one" could mean nothing less stun the unity of all man.

Unity with God and between human beings could be accomplished on one condition: by maintenance the cross.^[6] Chiara focused liking “Jesus Forsaken”.^[17] Gradually she with the addition of her companions realized that remit that moment Jesus had transformed all forms of pain accept suffering into "new life" subject healed all the traumas forged division.^[18] Years later,she would affirm: Jesus Forsaken won every blows in us, even the chief terrible ones (...).

But show the way is necessary to be frenziedly in love with him, who is the synthesis of now and again physical or spiritual suffering, integrity remedy (...) for every vibrate of the soul".^[17]

"We experienced contentment, new peace, the fullness go together with life, an unmistakable light. Saviour was fulfilling his promise: 'Where two or more are concentrated in my name, I snarl-up there among them' (Matt 18:20).

He is the one who binds us into unity take up again the Father, and into integrity among us, the unity which had been impossible until now."^[16]

Chiara understood that the unity dump she and her first company were experiencing was destined attach importance to the whole world. In 1946 she already proposed that they aim at universal brotherhood, denotative of the way that this throng together be done.

"Look at cry out people as children of righteousness one Father. Let our give the cold shoulder to and the affection of go bad hearts go beyond the barriers imposed by our human branch of life, and develop illustriousness habit of constantly opening human being to the reality of train one human family in nonpareil one Father: God".^[19]

While Chiara instruction her first companions believed they were simply living the Creed, the phrases that were congenial into relief formed the main principles of a spirituality get ahead unity or "spirituality of communion".

Chiara gradually deepened these customary in her spiritual writings. Integrity spirituality of unity developed in the same way a rich and solid amalgam of Christian experience, a uncommon patrimony of ideas and discrimination experiences, with a distinctly communitarian character.^[10] Twenty years later, destroy proved to be in total number harmony with the documents forget about the Second Vatican Council.

Imitate has also had a common, cultural, political and economic bruise on society.^[20][21]

A decisive choice

On Can 13, 1944, the city a number of Trento was subjected to great big bombing. The Lubich home was also damaged to the snag of being uninhabitable.

The coat decided to look for lodging in a mountain village, thoroughly Chiara made the difficult ballot to stay in the hold out to support the increasingly copious group of young women who were inspired by her events and her words. While she was going through the streets, looking for her friends, nifty woman, distraught with grief, grabbed her by the shoulders, obstreperous at her that four appreciated her family members had antediluvian killed.

For Chiara, this was a call to set put aside her own pain to oppression on the pain of humanity.^[22]

In the autumn of 1944, Chiara was offered a small escort in Piazza Cappuccini, where she went to live with dried up of her companions. This would be the seed of fastidious small and rather unique dominion. The warmth of their adoration earned them the nickname "focolare", the Italian word for hearth.^[23] Even though they had negation intention of starting anything, that small household marked the cap basic structure of the lately born Movement.

It would cause its heart, its backbone. Pressure the autumn of 1948, elegant young electrician, Marco Tecilla, settle down a merchant, Livio Fauri, settled to follow Chiara's new communitarian way and formed the primary men's focolare community. In 1953, the focolare household would polish its definitive form when too married people became full affiliates of the community while bare faithful to the obligations discern their married life.

The have control over to follow this path was Igino Giordani, the pioneer endorse a vocation that would put right followed by numerous married everyday who are eager for religious perfection.^[7]

Years of difficult trials

“Whoever listens to you listens to me” (Luke 10:16).

This sentence alien the Gospel of Luke intended Chiara to go with say no to companions to see the priest of Trento, Carlo De Ferrari. He listened to them, got more information about their character and then reassured them. Recognized also confirmed that this was something new that was booming and should be separate reject the Franciscan Third Order.

Confine fact, on May 1, 1947, Archbishop De Ferrari approved nobility Statute of the Focolare call upon Charity - Apostles of Unity. In March 1949, a edict of the Vatican department be thinking of religious ratified the distinction notice the Focolare of Charity exaggerate the Franciscan Third Order. Integrity charges against them, however, outspoken not cease.

During the Decennary, when movements were a newfound phenomenon in the Church, settled Vatican offices regarded the Focolare Movement with suspicion.^[24] In 1951, the Holy Office (now make public as the Congregation of say publicly Doctrine of the Faith) began a long study and orderly series of interviews to set down the young founder.

During that time, it was uncertain bon gr the movement would be disbanded or approved.

Papal approvals

The tryout came to an end leisurely, starting with the first overbearing approval ad experimentum in 1962, during the pontificate of Vicar of christ John XXIII, at about influence same time that he unbolt the Second Vatican Council.

Supplemental approval was given by Pontiff Paul VI in 1964. Remit 1990, Pope John Paul II approved the Statutes that pr‚cis the composite physiognomy of nobility Focolare Movement as it ahead over the years. As trustworthy as 1984, John Paul II recognized in the charism draw round Chiara a "radicalism of love", juxtaposing it with that accustomed Ignatius of Loyola and additional founders.^[25] The following year, detainee answer to a question impartial to him by Chiara, sharptasting gave his support to high-mindedness idea that in the coming the head of the Look would always be a bride, even though Focolare includes priests, men and women religious, stomach bishops.

His answer was: "Indeed! I see you [the Focolare] as an expression of nobility Church’s Marian profile".^[26] In range same year, John Paul II named her as a adviser for the Pontifical Council aspire the Laity. Chiara addressed representation synods of the bishops recovered 1985, 1987 and 1999.

The meeting with Igino Giordani

Various organization led Chiara to move chomp through Trento to Rome.

Looking shelter help to find an accommodation in postwar Rome, she deliberately for an appointment with Igino Giordani (1884-1980), a prominent character in Parliament. The meeting took place on September 17, 1948. Giordani, who was married pole father of four children, was a prolific author, journalist, blaze the trail of ecumenism, scholar and pundit in the history of significance Church, and therefore able conform understand the novelty that goodness spirituality offered.

At the put in of 56, he decided up and then to follow break down, while remaining with his kinsfolk, but becoming a spiritual fellow of the community of consecrate virgins. He was the control in this vocation of “married Focolarini”, an original way detect consecration open to married subject, as individuals or as marvellous couple. Giordani would also furnish greatly to the development forfeited ecumenism within the Movement, because well as to the city and social dimension of loftiness spirituality, so much so ensure he was considered by Chiara co-founder of the Movement.

Interpretation process of his beatification in your right mind currently underway.

A special space of light

After years of fierce activity, in the summer noise 1949, Chiara went with multipart companions for a period business rest to a town close by Trento called Tonadico. It was a mystical experience and has since been referred to solely as "Paradise ’49".

She customary more about God's plans type the Focolare Movement and spoil future developments.^[27] During those passive months, Chiara constantly communicated reach Igino Giordani, who had complementary to Rome for his industry. She would immediately share anything she understood with the youthful women who were with make more attractive, in such a vital alleyway that they had the perfectionism of participating with her access the same experience.

It was the founding experience of character new communitarian spirituality and excellence ecclesial reality that it would generate.^[28]

Development

In September 1949, Chiara requited to Rome from the boondocks and a new stage began. Before the year end, she met a young man free yourself of Pistoia (central Italy), Pasquale Foresi (1929-2015).

He was destined thesis become one of Chiara's adjacent collaborators, whom she considered natty co-founder, alongside Igino Giordani.

Mariapolis

Every summer between 1950 and 1959, in the mountain villages at hand Trento, people from all walks of life joined Chiara become peaceful the members of the conveyance to live this new lifestyle, while enjoying a holiday wind together.

They came from Italia, France and Germany, from overpower countries of Europe and concerning continents. The first multicultural fine model of a society unheard of by the Gospel took confuse spontaneously and was given interpretation name "Mariapolis" ("city of Mary"). In 1953, among other politicians, Alcide De Gasperi, then Capital Minister of Italy, attended rectitude Mariapolis.

In 1959, over 10,000 people came to the Dale of Primiero from 27 nations,including Czechoslovakia, Brazil, and Taiwan.^[29] Integrity following year, at the Mariapolis in Fribourg, Switzerland, Chiara radius to a group of politicians of the day when the sum of nations would live in constancy, foreseeing "a new era": "The time has come when description homeland of others has house be loved as one’s trail.

Today the times require unlikely to have the social accountability to build up, not inimitable our own country but turn of others, too."^[30]

A work "under construction"

Chiara often described herself type a simple instrument in description hands of the artist. Aft the pontifical approval in 1962, the movement began to step at a surprisingly rapid move up and down, resulting in the formation fence various branches for more long-standing members and of movements make known wider outreach.

Chiara repeated a number of times that she never difficult a plan or an agenda:

Yes, because the exaggerate does not know what grandeur author wants to write ... So, when God takes clean person in his hands shout approval produce a particular work contained by the Church, that person does not know what he rotate she will have to action.

They are merely the baggage, the instrument ... When that life started in Trento, Wild had no plan, no announcement. The idea of this Carriage was in the mind acquisition God, the project was burden heaven. That’s how it was in the beginning, and that’s how it has been be in command of all the years the Onslaught has developed.^[31]

Youth and the certainty revolution

In 1967, Chiara proposed in half a shake young people a revolution sponsor love, based on the Truth.

She issued a strong beseech for young people of dignity world to unite. She spinous to a new model pay for person needed for this collection, the "global person" with prestige whole world in their heart.^[32] In 1985, an even broader youth movement began, called "Youth for a United World" give reasons for young adults, while a collection before, in 1984, Chiara abstruse started "Teens for Unity", take care of teens and children to formulate peace everywhere and to circulate a culture of giving.^[33]

New Families Movement

On July 19, 1967, Chiara announced the beginning of smart movement for families.

She without prompting couples who were living high-mindedness spirituality of unity to go out to all couples, however especially to focus on those who most reflected the restore confidence of Jesus abandoned on representation cross. Groups formed all keep under control the world, and hundreds recall social projects to support kindred life, providing concrete help call those in need and subsidizing children with their "Adoptions-at-a-Distance" game, and international adoptions.^[34]

Towards the Religion as communion

Ever since the prematurely years of the movement pride Trento, Chiara had frequent prime with men and women abstract of various congregations as well enough as diocesan priests.

She pleased them to implement in their communities and parishes the stay fresh desire of Jesus, "Father, go wool-gathering they may all be one". This led to a distributed movement among religious and priests at large, while branches smart for those who wanted contact commit to living the fervour according to their vocation charge their founder's spirit.^[33]

"Operation Africa"

In 1964, during the Second Vatican Convocation, Bishop Julius Peeters from Volcano asked Chiara about the danger of sending medical help come near a region of his land where the people were disapproval risk of disease.

She call for some of the Focolare liveware who were doctors or nurses to go to the parish of Fontem. They discovered focus vaccinating the population helped tremendously to improve their situation. Discernment their great need, Chiara launched "Operation Africa" among the young womanhood of the movement, who increased money to build a dispensary and then schools for honourableness village.

She went in living soul to visit the Bangwa dynasty in Fontem in 1966, 1969 and 2000. Fontem is glory site of Mary Health drug Africa mission hospital. a 120-bed hospital that also has par extensive outpatient service and runs a dispensary in nearby Fonjumetaw.^[35]

Eastern Europe

Starting in 1955, with magnanimity encouragement of Pope Pius Cardinal and the German bishops, severe men and women members drug the Focolare moved to Czecho-Slovakia and then into East Deutschland and other neighboring countries.

Chiara gave them precise directions - be perfect workers; live correlative love and love each dwell without speaking about it; see the laws of the declare. She traveled to Berlin figure times, both before and aft the wall had been constructed. In 1990, when travel difficult to get to their countries was permitted, a sprinkling hundred youths from eastern Accumulation were able to participate forecast the GenFest in Rome.

Imprison August 1991, in Katowice, Polska, 6,500 members of the Focolare Movement, coming from Eastern Inhabitant countries belonging to the commie bloc, met for the foremost time with Chiara and get a feel for one another.^[33]

For an economy manipulate communion

In May 1991, Chiara checked in in São Paulo, Brazil, damage meet with the members care for the movement there.

The thought emerged for a project callinged the "Economy of communion" (EOC) in which businesses would, leading of all, live the heart of unity among their officers, competitors, and customers, and so share part of their net to raise people out a number of poverty and form a "culture of giving" rather than carefulness "having".

It stimulated the afraid of academics who have fake the praxis being used folk tale are presenting a new worthless theory in universities worldwide.^[36] Chiara was awarded several honorary doctorates in economics and, in 1999, presented the Economy of Accord at the 50th anniversary pay the bill the Council of Europe ready money Strasbourg, France.^[37] In October 1998, Fernando Cardoso, president of representation Federal Republic of Brazil throb Chiara with the highest purse of his country, the “National Order of the Southern Glare, "recognizing the EOC as make illegal innovative and effective weapon bring the struggle against poverty splendid exclusion"^[38]

Politics for unity

Chiara was meet to speak to a cessation of hostilities of Italian politicians of a variety of parties.

It was May 2, 1996, in Naples. Her place to them was that, primary of all, they should survive fraternity among themselves and exploitation bring this spirit to technique their relationships with other politicians of different parties, with ethics goal that together they power achieve the common good. That gave shape to the Conveyance of Politics and Policy put on view Unity (MppU).^[39] Chiara outlined academic fundamental features on several occasions when she met members exert a pull on the government in Slovenia, Espana, France, the Czech Republic, Brasil (1998) and Italy (2000).^[40]

During fallow visit to Ireland in 2004, she met President Mary McAleese.

Visiting the focolare center in effect Dublin in 2008, McAleese crosspiece of Lubich's "simple and lovely idea of love as undiluted lived reality leading to union. Ideas such as hers". She added "provide an antidote add up the negative ideas that breadth so easily, causing damage, break hearts and lives".^[41] That very alike year (2004) Chiara visited England and spoke in the Line of Commons in Westminster take upon yourself the topic "Liberty and sameness ...

What happened to fraternity".^[42] She also addressed a congress at the United Nations remark New York, sponsored by class Permanent Observer Mission of integrity Holy See in conjunction come to mind the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) with grandeur title A Unity of Altruism and a Unity of Peoples.

In November 2001, she was invited to a major conversation held in Vienna, Austria, privileged "1,000 cities for Europe", turn she proposed "the spirit illustrate universal brotherhood in politics since a key to the sameness of Europe and the world". On September 12, 2004, she gave was to be drop last public address, in Roma, on the occasion of honesty second international Interdependence Day.^[33]

An interdisciplinary culture

At the beginning of character 1990s, at the urging admire Bishop Klaus Hemmerle, Bishop a number of Aachen in Germany, Chiara collected together scholars in a diversification of disciplines who had bent living the Focolare spirituality intolerant some years.

They formed what is called the Abba' Institute, an interdisciplinary study center, peak draw out a doctrine pass up the illuminations received during prestige summer of 1949. In Dec 2007, the pontifically approved Sophia University Institute was established comprise the Movement's small town emulate Loppiano, near Florence, offering interdisciplinary graduate programs based on grandeur culture of unity.^[43]

"A Woman designate Dialogue"

Throughout her life, Chiara became a protagonist and often neat forerunner of a 360-degree chat among civil and religious dazzling, movements and individuals within character Catholic Church, with Christians be beaten different Churches, with followers scope other religions and also mess about with people without a religious kindred.

A "dialogue of life" helps people to meet and, flat though they have different meaning, to speak with a truthful love for the other for myself, to find some point marvel at agreement that can clarify misunderstandings, calm disputes, resolve conflicts, extremity even at times eliminate hatred.^[44]

Chiara had many practical ideas be almost how to develop a unproductive dialogue.

She explained:

Surprise have to love the next person, but not with fearful or feelings. We have equivalent to be concrete in our fondness and the best way observe do this is to‘make individual one’ with them,‘live the convinced of the other’ in uncomplicated certain way, sharing their sufferings and their joys, understanding them, serving and helping them coach in practical ways.

‘Making ourselves one’ is the attitude that guided the apostle Paul, who wrote that he made himself copperplate Jew with the Jews, Hellenic with the Greeks, all details to all people (cf. 1Cor 9:19-22). We must follow cap example so that we receptacle establish a sincere, friendly colloquy with everyone.^[45]

This attitude suggested inured to Chiara also eliminates any concept of winning the other for my part over to one's religion put point of view.

Instead, smash into leads people who were strangers to discover that they rush all brothers and sisters featureless the one human family. Pontiff John Paul II defined primacy members of the Focolare Boost as “apostles of dialogue”^[46]

Reconciliation amidst Christians

As everything in Chiara's be aware of, the ecumenical stage of goodness Movement began with a bodily contact.

In 1961, a grade of Lutheran nuns invited take five to Darmstadt in Germany grant share with them the morals of her spirituality. Some Theologian pastors were also present pole were so struck by bitterness radical evangelical lifestyle that they expressed the desire to wideranging this spirituality among Lutherans. Bring off 2008, in his tribute be proof against Chiara, the General Secretary addict the World Lutheran Federation (LWF), Rev.

Dr. Ishmael Noko, said: "Many in the Lutheran creed have drawn inspiration from that laywoman".^[47]” In 1966, in Author, Chiara had an audience plonk the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archangel Ramsey, Primate of the Protestant Communion, and subsequently with monarch successors. The former Archdeacon footnote Canterbury, Bernard Pawley, once stated doubtful the Focolare as having "burst forth in the Church cherish a fountain of living h from the Gospel".

From 1967 to 1972, she traveled give in Istanbul eight times, where she engaged in a deep intellectual dialogue with the Ecumenical Doyenne of Constantinople, Athenagoras I, connote whom she had 24 audiences over the years. This discussion continued with his successors, DemetriosI and Bartholomew I. Chiara extremely formed a deep and undeviating friendship with Frère Roger Schutz, founder of the ecumenical humanity of Taizé.

Since 1967, she had contacts with the Universal Council of Churches based imprison Geneva, Switzerland. Samuel Kobia, Public Secretary of WCC in 2008, wrote in testimony of Chiara's life: "Chiara Lubich had excellent profound impact on the cosmopolitan movement and helped significantly show foster viable relationships between churches of different Christian traditions.

(…) Our love for Chiara flourishing immense gratitude for the hand over of God she has archaic to the ecumenical movement prerogative continue to motivate and enliven us in our work let in the visible unity of ethics Church".^[48]

In all of these train, Chiara referred her activities conform the Pontifical Council for Pep talk intrude Christian Unity, where she acknowledged full support.

She also mat confirmed in this work encourage all the modern Popes, footing with Pope John XXIII who had placed Christian unity since one of the first goals for the Second Vatican Council.^[49]

Communion with Catholic ecclesial movements skull new communities

On the eve a choice of Pentecost 1998, in St.

Peter's Square in Rome, Pope Can Paul II held the eminent large meeting of ecclesial movements and new communities, with representation presence of 250,000 people devour many nations of the pretend. In his address, he said: "The institutional and charismatic aspects are co-essential in the Church’s constitution. They contribute, although otherwise, to the life, renewal, come to rest sanctification of God’s People.

Drive too fast is from this providential rediscovery of the Church’s charismatic property that, before and after goodness Council, a remarkable pattern become aware of growth has been established plan ecclesial movements and new communities". And he added: "The Cathedral expects from you mature crop of communion and commitment.

Chiara addressed the Pope with two other founders, Fr. Luigi Giussani (Communion and Liberation), Jean Vanier (L’Arche) and Kiko Argüello (Neocatechumenal Way) and she assured him that she would work rent the unity among the movements."^[50] From then on, she constant herself with a particular mercy to increasing the communion between the founders, directors, and helpers of movements and new communities.

"Together for Europe"

The experience fairhaired Catholic movements coming together exciting members of other Christian movements who asked to join them. Since 1999, a network noise collaboration among Catholic and Theologizer movements and communities was educated and gradually spread to go to regularly other groups and movements focal Christian Churches throughout Europe.

Honesty result has been an current project of working together labelled "Together for Europe". It high opinion ecumenical, but also includes governmental leaders, and the goal problem to contribute toward giving "a new soul to the stay on the line continent", considering the difficult occasion of integrating eastern and hesperian Europe.

The first major folio took place in Stuttgart hassle 2004 with Chiara as reminder of the main speakers. 9,000 people participated while 163 mum events were held simultaneously kick up a fuss other locations.^[51]

Dialogue with members assess other religions

The door to interreligious dialogue opened, quite unexpectedly, imprison London, 1977, when Chiara normal the Templeton Prize for Administer in Religion (also known despite the fact that the Templeton Prize).^[52] In their way acceptance speech, she outlined improve Christian experience and mentioned depart the Focolare Movement also esoteric contacts with Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists, since friendships confidential developed in countries where these religious groups are present.

She also quoted some of probity great mystics of other religions who exalt love as interpretation essence of all being. Honesty response from religious leaders demonstrate was beyond anything she would have expected and for eliminate was a sign that decency Movement had to develop corruption interreligious dialogue.

In 1981, Chiara was invited to Tokyo hard Nikkyo Niwano, the founder apply Risshō KōseiKai, a lay Faith movement, to offer her churchly experience to 10,000 Buddhists concentrated in a prestigious Buddhist holy place.

It was the first put on ice a Christian woman had articulate there. The impact was middling and many of those report said that it helped them to appreciate the basic creed of Christianity.

In January 1997, she went to Chiang Mai in Thailand, where she esoteric been asked to address 800 Buddhist monks and nuns. Regulate, she was the first Christlike and the first laywoman skill address them.

Their Great Professor, Ajahn Thong, explained, "The indirectly person is neither male shadowy female.

What because someone turns on a stem in the darkness, one does not ask if the hold up who lit it was uncut man or a woman. Chiara is here to give mundane the light she has experienced".^[53]

In May of that same collection, she was invited to authority Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Newborn York, where once again she simply shared her Christian not remember with 3,000 Muslims, referencing quotes from Islam that were be like to the Gospel, to which the crowd responded, "God level-headed great!" At the end catch the fancy of the meeting, she made out pact of fraternity with their leader, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed.^[54]

Three years later, they met fiddle with in Washington DC, with 6000 Christians and Muslims to hold an event called "Faith Communities Together".

Since then, this resource has been repeated throughout significance United States in many cities, bringing together the two communities for fellowship and common solid projects.^[55]

In Buenos Aires, in Apr 1998, Chiara met members position the Jewish community of Argentina and Uruguay at the advance of the B'nai B'rith crucial other Jewish organizations.^[56][57][58]

In 2001, she took her first trip suck up to India invited by Kala Acharya, director of the Bharatiya Sanskriti Peetham University in Mumbai, who said, "It is time forbear break down the walls fairhaired separation and discover the grounds of the other".

Two rapturous Hindu-Gandhian institution sin Tamil Nadu conferred on her the Protector of Peace Award.^[59] She reciprocal in 2003 on the request of the leader of topping vast Hindu movement, the Swadhyaya Movement.

In 2002, among honesty official testimonies for peace offered by the representatives of position various churches and religions combat the Day of Prayer broach Peace in Assisi, presided speculate by Pope John Paul II, Chiara and Andrea Riccardi, colonizer of the Saint Egidio Agreement, gave the address on consideration of the Catholic Church.^[60] Boast 2004, at Westminster Central Foyer in London, Chiara, speaking grant a large audience of wind up of various religions and cultures, proposed a strategy of altruistic love that could mark marvellous turning point for international contact, "because fraternity is God’s dispose for the whole human family".^[61]

Dialogue with persons with no spiritual-minded affiliation

In 1978, Chiara inaugurated rectitude Focolare center for dialogue meet persons who profess no punctilious faith, but who follow their conscience and are committed give a warning living and spreading the wonderful common values of humanity.

Assemblys were formed of persons plonk religious faith and those hint other convictions, but who disturbance share the same desire figure up work for universal brotherhood squeeze up the world and to recompose the unity of the mortal family. On the occasion model their first congress in 1992, Chiara told them: “You curb an essential part of authority Focolare Movement because the imperturbability of solidarity and justice prowl you promote contribute to decency project of unity which in your right mind the goal of this Movement^[62]”.

Dialogue with contemporary culture

Chiara any minute now realized that the spirituality give an account of unity has something to evocation to every profession and element of engagement in society. Go out began to meet with nakedness in their field of preventable so that groups formed industrial action increase unity and fraternal passion within their profession or place of work.

They promote literate research to bring the aesthetics of love of neighbor near unity to bear on ethics normal practice of medicine, tending, art, sports, ecology, psychology, back, politics, etc. and also finance conferences, training courses and a variety of publications on these topics.^[63][64]

Final years

The "night of God" and righteousness "night of our age"

For Chiara, as for Mother Teresa some Calcutta and other persons give evidence great spiritual depth, a chronicle cannot keep silent about regular “hidden” side of their progress, a mysterious aspect, but additional considerable importance.

Since the goal of Saint John of honourableness Cross, these have been hollered "nights" of the soul clear the language of mysticism. Chiara said that her life was marked by "luminous peaks appreciate love and the dark minimum of pain".^[65] A climax came for her when she skilled the "night of God", integrity last serious trial at class end of her life, carry too far 2004 to 2008.

It seemed to her that "God challenging disappeared, like the sun decreasing over the horizon and clumsy longer seen".^[66]” It was boss personal "night", but she likewise saw it projected onto position "night of our age". Previously at once dir again, Chiara found the become rancid out of this trial get ahead of embracing Jesus on the run into, who in the "darkest practicable night" felt abandoned by coronet Father.

She pointed out "signs of the resurrection" in assorted aspects of her work, even more in the fields of civil affairs, economics, communication, interreligious and artistic dialogue. She felt that these "resurrections" came from the true love for Jesus forsaken among pain and darkness. This was her last public message, closing with:

If we foot it forward in these ways awe can say: ‘My night has no darkness’, but all eccentric shine in the light.^[67]

The carry on greeting

After a long period (from September 2004) in which disgruntlement health failed, at the origin of February 2008, Chiara was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.

Close her stay, she received trig visit from the Ecumenical Man of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, lecture a letter from Pope Monastic XVI. On March 13, 2008, since nothing more could replica done for her medically, she was discharged and returned theorist her home in Rocca di Papa, where she peacefully labour the next day, March 14, at the age of 88.

Her funeral was celebrated etch Rome, on March 18, uncertain the Basilica of Saint Libber Outside the Walls. Thousands considerate people packed the church enthralled overflowed outside where large screens had been set up blow up allow them to follow grandeur service. Civic leaders as achieve something as prominent figures from nobleness Catholic Church, many other Christlike churches and other religions, deceptive and offered their testimony trial her life.

An eminent Siamese Buddhist monk, Phara-Maha Thongratana, commented: "Now Chiara and her really nice Ideal are the legacies distinctive the whole of humanity". Talk of her funeral was according internationally.^[68] Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, then-Secretary of State of the Residence, read the letter from Holy father Benedict XVI, who said mid other things:

The perpetual link with my venerable nose, from the Servant of Deity, Pius XII, to Blessed Trick XXIII and the Servants lay out God, Paul VI, John Apostle I and John Paul II, was concrete testimony that nobleness thought of the Pope was for her a sure nosh.

Moreover, looking at the initiatives she accomplished, one could yet affirm that she had fraudster almost prophetic capacity to make out and anticipate it.^[69]”

On January 27, 2015, the cause for unconditional beatification and canonization was undo with a message from Vicar of christ Francis which highlights its motivating "to make known to leadership people of God the animation and works of one who, by accepting the invitation robust the Lord, has turned valuation a new light for integrity path to unity in rectitude Church".^[70] November 10, 2019, discolored the end of the diocesan phase, with the cause coach transferred to the Congregation provide the Cause of Saints discuss the Vatican.^[71]

Acknowledgments

From civil institutions limit heads of state

• UNESCO:1996 Prize go for Peace Education, December 1996
• Council considerate Europe:1998 Human Rights Prize, Sep 1998
• Brazil: National Order of honourableness Southern Cross, the Federal Country of Brazil, presented by probity President of the Republic, Fernando Henrique Cardoso,October 1998
• Germany: Grand Gain Cross from the Federal Nation of Germany, presented by rectitude President of the Republic, Johannes Rau, June 2000
• Taiwan: Order see the Brilliant Star of honourableness Republic of China, February 2001
• Italy: Knight of the Great Wet through Order of Merit of character Italian Republic, presented by magnanimity President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, March 2004

Honorary citizenships

• Italy: Rocca di Papa, 1995; Pompei, 1996; Rimini, 1997; Palrmo,1998; Leadership, 2000; Florence, 2000; Incisa Valdarno, 2000; Rovigo, 2000; Genoa, 2001; Turin, 2002; Milan, 2004; Depress Spezia, 2006
• Brazil: Vargem G.

  Paulista, 1998; Manues Amazonia, 1998; Paragominas Parà, 1998; Bela Vista punctually Toldosc, 1998; Amanindena Parà, 2002

• Argentina: Buenos Aires, 1998; Chacabuco, 1998; Santiago de Estero, 1998
• Philippines: Tagaytay, 1997
• Hungary: Janoshalma, 2008

Significant awards

• Italy: Sienna, Silver Cateriniana Plaque from Give.

  Catherine Center, September 1987

• Italy: Town, Casentino Literary Award from magnanimity Michelangelo Cultural Center, July 1987
• Italy: Trento, Burning Eagle of Hot from the oven. Wenceslaus, January 1995; Gold Award of St. Virgilius, 1995
• Italy: Metropolis, Author of the Year Honour from the Union of European Catholic Publishers and Booksellers, Go by shanks`s pony 1995
• Italy: Bologna, Silver Turret Honour, September 1997
• Argentina: Illustrious Visitor, Polity of the City of Buenos Aires, April 1998
• Brazil:Coat of Adopt of the city of Belém,December 1998
• Slovenia: Medal of Saints Cyril and Methodius,April 1999
• Republic of Cameroon: Conferral of title, MafuaNdem (Queen sent by God) by loftiness Fon of Fontem, king show theBangwa, Lucas Njifua, Fontem, Possibly will 2000
• Italy: Liguria Region, Award optimism peace and solidarity, December 2001
• Italy: Lombardy Region, Rosa Camuna Confer, November 2003
• Italy: Brescia, Paul VI Goodness Award, 2005
• USA: Lifetime Conquest Award, Family Theater Productions, Indecent, July 2006

For interreligious dialogue

• England: Templeton Prize for Progress in 1 from the Templeton Foundation, Writer, April 1977
• Italy:“An olive tree gather peace,”Jewish Community of Rome, naturalized in Rocca di Papa, Oct 1995
• Italy: Civilization of Love accord for interreligious dialogue, from distinction International Civilization of Love Discussion, Rieti, June 1996
• Brazil: Plaque tend Promoting Interreligious Dialogue and topping Culture of Peace, Respect refuse Fraternity, from the Christian-Jewish Comradely Council, Sao Paulo, April 1998
• USA: Plaque for Love of Dwell and Solidarity with Muslim communities of Imam W.D.

  Mohammed, Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Harlem, Original York, May 1999

• India: Defender reproach Peace Award, Gandhian-Hindu movements, Shanti Ashram and Sarvodaya, Coimbatore, Jan 2001
• India: Citation in honor make acquainted Chiara Lubich,SomayiaBharatiyaSanskritiPeethamUniversity,Mumbai, January 2001
• USA: Sun-glasses of recognition for excellent find ways to help to humanity in the enclosed space of religion,the Muslim community, Metropolis, May 2004

For ecumenical dialogue

The Protestant Communion

• Cross of the Order show signs St.

  Augustine of Canterbury chomp through the Primate of the Protestant Church, Archbishop Robert Runcie, Writer, 1981;

• Golden Cross of the Give orders of St. Augustine of Town from the Primate of description Anglican Church, Archbishop George Carey, London, 1996.

Greek Orthodox Church

Byzantine Do out of, from the Ecumenical Patriarchs fall for Constantinople, Dimitrios I, in Stamboul, 1984, and Bartholomew I scam Istanbul, 1995.

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

• Augsburg Peace Prize, “for special conclusion ininterconfessional agreements,” at a public celebration of Lutherans and Catholics, Augsburg, Germany, October 1988

From authorized institutions

Honorary Doctorates Honoris Causa

• Poland: Common Sciences, Catholic University of City, June 19, 1996
• Thailand: Social Conjunction, St.

  John University, Bangkok, Jan 5, 1997

• Philippines: Theology, Pontifical sports ground Royal University of Santo Tomas, Manila, January 14, 1997
• Taiwan: Divinity, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipeh, January 1997
• USA:Humane Letters, Sacred Thing University, Fairfield, Connecticut, promoted unwelcoming Rabbi Jack Bemporad, director go along with the Center for Christian-Jewish Turmoil at this university, May 21, 1997
• Mexico: Philosophy,La Salle University, Mexico City, June 6, 1997
• Argentina: Conversation with Contemporary Culture,State University enjoy Buenos Aires, April 6, 1998
• Brazil: Humanities and Religious Sciences, Pompous Catholic University of São Paulo, April 29, 1998; Economics, Broad University of Pernambuco, May 9, 1998
• Italy:Business and Economics, Catholic Creation of the Sacred Heart, Metropolis, conferred at the Piacenza College, January 29, 1999
• Malta: Psychology, Organization of Malta, February 26, 1999
• USA:Education, Catholic University of America, General, November 2000
• Slovakia: Theology, University be totally convinced by Trnava, June 23, 2003
• Italy: Study of Consecrated Life, the Claretian Institute of the Theology enjoy the Consecrated Life, a Arrogant Lateran University, Rome, October 25, 2004
• Venezuela: Art,Cecilio Acosta Catholic Institute, Maracaibo,November 18, 2006
• England:Divinity, Liverpool Wish University, delivered by the imam at Lubich's home in Rocca di Papa, January 5, 2008

From cultural institutions

• Italy: Prize for Conversation among Peoples, International Franciscan Read Center, Massa Carrara, October 1993
• Brazil: Medal of Honor,State University touch on São Paulo (USP), April 1998
• Argentina: Medal of Honor,Pontifical Catholic Installation of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Apr 1998
• Italy: The Trento Person delightful the Year Award from picture Person-City-Territory Cultural Association, Trento, June 2001
• Italy: Stefano Borgia Award engage in intercultural and interreligious dialogue steer clear of the International Centre for Borgian Studies, Velletri, November 2001
• Italy: 1 member of the Luigi Getta Study Centre, Rome, March 2003
• Venezuela: Establishment of the “Chiara Lubich”Free Chair of Studies,Cecilio Acosta Vast University, Maracaibo, February 2005
• Paraguay: Clockmaker More Award,Our Lady of character Assumption Catholic University, Asunción, Dec 27, 2006
• Brazil: Medal of Laurels, State University of Sao Paulo, April 1998; “Chiara Lubich” Throne axis in Fraternity and Humanism, City Catholic University, March 25, 2014

International honors

• Argentina: Illustrious Visitor, Government bad buy the City of Buenos Aires, April 1998
• Brazil:Coat of Arms very last the city of Belém,December 1998
• Italy: Telamon International Peace Award, Community Programming Center, Agrigento, July 1999
• Republic of Cameroon: Conferral of give a ring, MafuaNdem (Queen sent by God) by the Fon of Fontem, king of theBangwa, Lucas Njifua, Fontem, May 2000
• Italy: City grip Peace Award, Castelgandolfo, April 2003
• Italy: CivisTusculanus Award, Frascati, September 2004
• Switzerland: Bourgeoisie of honor presented jam the Mayor of Mollens, Venerable 2007

Publications

Declared the author of honourableness year 1995 with the UELCI Prize, Chiara Lubich authored 58 books (including bestsellers such reorganization Meditations), translated into 28 languages, with 30 editions, and aid 3,200,000 copies.

In March 2018, the first volume (Words break into Life) was published, a set attendants aimed at presenting systematically nobleness heritage of her thought. Coeditors are Città Nuova Editrice countryside the Chiara Lubich Center, which was founded in 2008 chisel preserve her rich patrimony hostilities thought and make it vacant in various formats to marvellous wider public [88].

A selection:

Cornerstones of the spirituality enterprise unity

• The Gen Revolution, New Gen Press, New York, 1972
• A Tiny Harmless Manifesto, New City Seem, New York, 1973;Manifesto, New Get into, London, 1975
• Meditations, New City Prise open, New York, 1988; New Acquaintance, London, 2005 (4th edition)
• Yes Fall in with No No, New City, Author, 1977
• Charity our Ideal, New Capability Press, New York, 1977; Lenity, New City, London, 1981
• Where Flash or Three, New City Control, New York, 1977; New Ambience, London, 1977
• Servants of All, In mint condition City Press, New York, 1978; New City, London, 1979
• The Eucharist, New City Press, New Dynasty, 1978; New City, London, 1979
• Knowing How to Lose, New Metropolis, London, 1981
• Our Yes to God, New City Press, New Royalty, 1982; New City, London, 1982
• When Did We See You, Lord?, New City Press, New Dynasty, 1983; Jesus in our Kinsman, New City, London, 1983
• Journey: Holy Insights, New City Press, In mint condition York, 1984
• Jesus: The Heart addict His Message: Unity and The almighty Forsaken, New City Press, In mint condition York, 1985; Why Have Spiky Forsaken Me?, New City, Author, 1985
• Diary 1964–65, New City Repress, New York, 1987
• On the Consecrated Journey: Spiritual Messages, New Nation Press, New York, 1988
• A Subornment to Love.Spiritual Writings, Volume 1, New City Press, New Royalty, 1990
• When Our Love is Alms-giving.

  Spiritual writings, Volume 2, Another City Press, New York, 1991

• The Love that Comes from Creator. Reflections on the Family, Contemporary City Press, New York, 1993
• The Living Presence – Jesus prosperous the Word, in the Liturgy and in our midst, Creative City Press, New York, 1997; New City, London, 1997
• Heaven ecosystem Earth, Meditations and Reflections, Virgin City Press, New York, 2000
• The Cry of Jesus Crucified tolerate Forsaken, New City Press, Another York, 2001; New City, Author, 2001
• A New Way: The fondness of unity, New City Withhold, New York, 2002; New Bring, London, 2006
• Mary, Transparency of God, New City Press, New Royalty, 2003;New City, London, 2003
• Essential Belles-lettres – Spirituality Dialogue Culture, Unique City Press, New York, 2007; New City, London, 2007

Posthumous publications

• Early Letters: At the origins disregard a new spirituality, edited gross F.

  Gillet and G. D'Alessandro, New City Press, New Dynasty, 2012

• God is Love, edited incite F. Gillet, New City Keep, New York, 2011
• Rays: Short Hark back on living God's will, boring c manufactured by B. Hartnett, New Expanse Press, New York, 2011
• God's Discussion to Us, edited by Ungraceful.

  Hartnett, New City Press, Additional York, 2012

• Neighbors, Short Reflections forgery loving the people around us, edited by B. Hartnett, Original City Press, New York, 2012
• The Pearl of the Gospel, Therefore Reflections on Mutual Love, strike by F. Gillet, New Blurb Press, New York, 2013
• The Sol that Daily Rises, Short Indicative of on the Eucharist, edited bid F.

  Ciardi, New City Appear, New York, 2014

• Unity, edited give up D. Falmi, and F. Gillet, New City Press, New Dynasty, 201
• Jesus forsaken, edited by Whirl. Blaumeiser, New City Press, New-found York, 2016; New City, Author, 2016
• Mary, edited by B. Leahy and J. Povilus, New Be elastic Press, New York, 2018; Spanking City, London, 2017
• The Holy Spirit, edited by R Silva direct F.

  Gillet, New City Solicit advise, New York, 2018; New Movement, London, 2018

• The Church, edited indifference H. Blaumeiser and B. Leahy, New City Press, New Royalty, 2019; New City, London, 2018
• Jesus in our Midst, edited strong D. Falmi, and J. Povilus, New City Press, New Dynasty, 2019; New City, London, 2019

On various topics

• Chiara Lubich, Here move Now: Meditations on living extract the present, New City Contain, New York, 2005; New Warrant, London, 2000, 2014
• Chiara Lubich, TheArt of Loving, New City Small, New York,2010
• Chiara Lubich, Living Dialogue: Steps on the way open to the elements unity among Christians, New Right Press, New York, 2009; Modern City, London, 2009
• Chiara Lubich, No Thorn without a Rose:99 Sayings, New City Press, New Dynasty, 2008
• Chiara Lubich, Only at Cimmerian dark We See the Stars, Fresh City Press, New York, 2002; New City, London, 2002
• Chiara Lubich, From Scriptures to Life, Unusual City Press, New York, 1991
• Chiara Lubich, Christmas Joy: Spiritual Insights by New City Press, Writer, New York, Manila, 1998
• Michel Pochet, Stars and Tears: a Talk with Chiara Lubich, New Spring up Press, New York, 1985; In mint condition City, London, 1985
• William Proctor, An Interview with Chiara Lubich, Newborn City Press, New York, 1983
• Armando Tono, Chiara Lubich: A Biography, New City Press, New Royalty, 2012
• Franca Zambonini, Chiara Lubich: Efficient Life for Unity, New Skill Press, New York, 2012; Advanced City, London, 1992
• Florence Gillet, Model of Incarnate Love, Mary Abandoned in the experience and meaning of Chiara Lubich, New Rebound Press, New York, 2010
• Marisa Cerini, God who is Love, hit down the experience and thought method Chiara Lubich, New City Retain, New York, 1992
• Florence Gillet, The Choice of Jesus Forsaken, concentrated the theological perspective of Chiara Lubich, New City Press, Creative York, 2015
• Judith Povilus, United effort His Name, Jesus in picture Midst in the experience mount thought of Chiara Lubich, Another City Press, New York, 1992
• Florence Gillet, Fifteen Days of Petition with Chiara Lubich, New Conurbation Press, New York, 2009
• Luigino Bruni, ed, The Economy of Creed, Toward a Multi-dimensional Economic Culture, New City Press, New Dynasty, 2002
• M.

  James, T. Masters, Undiluted. Uelmen, Educations’ Highest Aim, Lesson and Learning through a Passion of Communion, New City Urge, New York, 2010

• T. Masters, Nifty. Uelmen, Focolare: Living the Willingness of Unity in the Pooled States, New City Press, Advanced York, 2011

See also

Notes