Maria Voce started her visit to France (4-12 May) in Lourdes on Tuesday 4th May. It was raining and snowing – just like when Chiara Lubich make a historic visit there in 1958.
Often it’s the day-to-day presence of members of the Movement who try to take a spirit of peace to their places of work or study that makes a difference. There are many examples – Ennouar, a Muslim who is a friend of the Focolare and works as a bus driver in Tremblay-en-France, Jean-Christophe and Ewenaelle who are in contact with many other families; Bruno, a student who gives one evening a week as a volunteer with the Red Cross etc.
During her visit Maria Voce told how in the fifties she also had been to Lourdes and on that occasion had asked Our Lady’s help in understanding what her vocation would be. After meeting the Movement and Chiara, Maria Voce never returned to Lourdes again until now, when as President of the Focolare Movement she wanted to begin her trip to France in Lourdes, to thank Mary and to entrust to her the Movement that carries her name (The Work of Mary).
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