Last October 20, 2020, was an important date for the Focolare Movement as His Holiness Bartholomew 1, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, paid a visit to the International Center of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa (Rome). He was welcomed by Focolare President Maria Voce, who accompanied him to visit the house where the Movement’s founder Chiara Lubich lived. He then prayed at her tomb. Joined by Co-President Jesús Morán and a small Focolare delegation, there followed an exchange of greetings and gifts. The Patriarch was in Rome for the International Prayer for Peace meeting promoted by the Community of Sant’Egidio and held at the Campidoglio. He also received an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from the Antonianum University. The Patriarch also met with Pope Francis.
“Chiara committed herself to fraternity, unity, and peace in all areas of human life, giving us a message through her life and her writings which we cannot ignore.” With these words, Patriarch Bartholomew I recalled Focolare founder Chiara Lubich during his visit to the International Center of the Focolare Movement at Rocca di Papa.
His Holiness’ delegation included His Eminence Emmanuel, Metropolitan of France, His Excellency Igumeno Cassianos of the Monastery of Chalki in Greece, and Reverend Iakovos, Patriarchal Deacon. They were accompanied by Msgr. Andrea Palmieri, Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPUC).
“The Movement and all the works that exist today, thanks to her charism,” he declared, “testify to a life lived for the Lord, passing through the Cross, but always directed to the Resurrection.”
The Patriarch’s visit comes in the year of the Birth Centenary of Chiara Lubich: “How many other things our Chiara would have done if she were still among us!” continued His Holiness Bartholomew I. “But it is not the years that give meaning to life, it is not the quantity, it is not the length. It is how we use the talents that He has offered us. It is the quality of a life lived in witness to Him who is the Life.”
The Patriarch arrived late morning at Rocca di Papa (Rome) and was welcomed by Focolare President Maria Voce and Co-President Jesús Morán. With them, he visited the house which had been Chiara Lubich’s home for many years, and the chapel at the International Center which contains the founder’s tomb. Here, he wrote a long dedication in Greek in the visitors’ book. Thereupon, he went to the Auditorium, where, respecting safety measures and norms, it was possible for a brief meeting with members of the Focolare’s General Council, some members of the Movement belonging to the Orthodox Church, and a representative group of youth.
The Patriarch expressed his affection and esteem for Maria Voce, calling her “dear sister,” “whose friendship with us and with our Ecumenical Patriarchate is long and steadfast, since the years when you lived in Constantinople where you truly left an indelible mark of the ministry of fraternity, unity, and love for all.” He continued, “Having reached the end of your mandate as President, we also want to thank you for your great contribution to the Movement. Our memory of you, like of you all, remains in our heart, and you will surely continue the charism where the Lord calls you to.”
Then followed a presentation of some of the events celebrating the centenary of Chiara Lubich, after which some Focolare youth spoke of the “United World Project,” which this year, with the motto #daretocare, is focusing on care for the environment and the most fragile parts of society around the world. The Patriarch commented, “Ideas and action, theory and practice. I hope that some Orthodox youth will be included in this project to collaborate with you for the good of humanity.”
An exchange of gifts concluded the encounter. Maria Voce offered the Patriarch a sculpture of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, coming from the house where Chiara Lubich stayed in Switzerland, and the Patriarch gave her a wonderful icon.
Stefania Tanesini
