2015-01-23 15:36:00

Indian archbishop hails start of cause of Chiara Lubich


An Indian archbishop has hailed the announcement of the start of the cause of beatification and canonization of Chiara Lubich of Italy, the founder of the Focolare Movement, an international organization that promotes the ideals of unity and universal brotherhood.   "Asia rejoices to open the cause of beatification of Chiara Lubich. It is a step that will give big boost to interreligious dialogue", Archbishop Felix Machado of Vasai Diocese told AsiaNews.  Bishop Machado who is President of the Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), was reacting to the news that the cause of Lubich is due to open officially on Tuesday in the cathedral of the Italian Diocese of Frascati, near Rome, ‎where her movement is based.‎   The Archbishop who personally met the Italian laywoman said, "She was simple, straightforward and believed in unity. This unity, she believed, would be offered to people, through the Church. So she remained deeply faithful to the Church and worked for unity of the human family. She did not so much say unity of religions but unity of the human family".  Chiara Lubich "was a very holy person. She always taught the members of Focolare to remain firm in faith but open to others. She was not a theologian but a woman who loved everyone. Her loving and affectionate gestures and words attracted her to people of all religions. Her cause for beatification is no surprise to me,” Archbishop Machado said.  The Archbishop noted that in Asia Chiara Lubich has built bridges across religious boundaries. For examples, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Budhists have great admiration for Chiara. Among them there are senior Buddhist monks. In all countries of Asia the Focolare members are very actively promoting  the “works of Mary”.  "In India - the prelate said - Chiara and the Focolare are well known, also among Hindus. Her work among Muslims is highly appreciated. People in Asia will also be very happy to have a saint in the person of Chiara".

Chiara Lubich was born January 22, 1920, Trento, Italy, and died March 14, 2008, Rocca di Papa, Italy.  Bishop Raffaello Martinelli of Frascati is due to preside at the opening ceremony of the cause of her beatification and canonization, which will include the formal establishment of the tribunal that will study Lubich’s life and holiness.  The Congregation for Saints’ Causes authorized the opening of the diocesan inquiry into the potential sainthood of Lubich, who died March 14, 2008, aged 88.  Maria Voce, president of Focolare, said there was a huge amount of documents, letters and even videos of Lubich giving talks that they had turned over to the diocese for the tribunal that will study Lubich’s writings and interview people who knew her. The collected information will be the basis for deciding whether Lubich lived the Christian virtues in a heroic way and deserves to be declared venerable. If so, the attribution of a miracle to her intercession would then be the normal requirement for beatification, and another miracle for canonization.  (Source: AsiaNews)








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