March 17, 2009- It’s not often that Christian figures are honored by the political world. But that’s what happened this week in the Italian parliament.

It was an homage to Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare movement; one of the most active Christian movements of the 20th century dedicated to promoting the ideals of unity and brotherhood worldwide.

Lubich died last year after a lifetime of work that sought to challenge social and political ails around the world by way of a spiritual and social renewal.

Some like the current president of Focolare, say that Lubich’s legacy is important now more than ever before.

Maria Voce
President of the Focolare Movement
Her message is more so important today, because globalization is acting as a divisive force instead of bringing unity. Because it has concentrated riches to a privileged few and has taken away from others. So, when relativism is fragmented like this, I think the message of unity is important in guiding people in all parts of the continent and all parts of the world.

The story of the Focolare movement begins during World War II, in a time of desolation and global tensions. It was during these gloomy times that Chiara Lubich decided to devote her life to a purely spiritual vocation. One that she would use to spread the word of peace in the face of war. Today, the movement has over 140,000 members and reaches out to another two million in 182 countries around the world.

Chiara Lubich’s legacy of peace and brotherhood was worthy of note by one government. Now, it’s up to history to tell us how it will take shape amidst an ever-changing world.

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