To remain “at the crossroads of today” with the same confident and generous attitude as Mary. This is what Card. Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, in his homily delivered in the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Rome) during the Mass of Thanksgiving on Dec. 7, 2023, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the birth of the Focolare Movement. Dearly beloved, on this day when the focolarino charism began 80 years ago, here in the house of Mary, close to the manger and to the mystery of her divine motherhood, we thank the Lord for the gift of Chiara Lubich and the great family that came to life around her. I repeat to you the words of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, “Do not fear!” You too “have found grace with God!” With these words His Eminence Card. Kevin Joseph Farrel, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, encouraged the Focolare Movement as he presided over the Holy Mass that took place, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, in Rome, Dec. 7, 2023. Eighty years after Chiara Lubich’s “Yes” to God, Card. Farrell, during the liturgy with which the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, invited those present to recall their encounter with the charism, “certain,” he said, “that all of you have embraced the focolarino ideal as a great gift of grace, as a favor from God,” spurring each one to continue faithfully to carry it into the world. To read the full homily (Our translation)

a cura di Maria Grazia Berretta