Focolare founder remembered in RP

Chiara Lubich, the foundress of the Focolare movement, which strives to unite people to live their lives for God, died March 14 at 88 years of age.

To recognize her great contributions to the country, a Thanksgiving Mass was held March 18 at the Manila Cathedral just hours before her internment in Rome, offered by Filipino bishops and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams.

Lubich’s worldwide lay Catholic movement has millions of adherents and has spread into 182 countries.To a church packed with hundreds, Archbishop Adams read a message from Pope Benedict XVI, which gives thanks to Christ “for the life of Chiara Lubich.”

The Pope praised her “silent and incisive service to evangelization” which was “always in harmony with Church teaching.”

Lauding Lubich for her loyalty to the Church and her work on ecumenism and peace, the Pope hopes her followers would keep her charism alive.

Cardinal Rosales, meanwhile, stressed how “the Lord came upon this young woman,” and inspired her and her group to see that unity was possible amid conflict.

The first Focolarinos arrived in Manila in February 1966 and established Focolare communities called “Mariapolises” in five cities and towns.
More centers were later established nationwide.

In 1982, Lubich visited the Philippines and founded the School of Oriental Religions, School for Priests, and Mariapolis Peace Center, all in Tagaytay, south of Manila.

With over four decades in the country, Focolare has launched social projects and promoted a spirituality-based economics called “Economy of Communion.”

It also has organized projects aimed at promoting education, family unity, Christian unity, interreligious dialogue, Marian spirituality and spirituality of youth.