‘On 7 December 1943 Chiara Lubich had no intention of starting a Movement. All she wished to do was “marry God” and she consecrated herself to him; he was everything for her. Only later on was this act seen as the symbolic beginning of the Focolare Movement.  Nonetheless, as Chiara wrote at a later date, on that day her “inner joy was inexplicable, secret, but contagious.”’

In Brasilia 7 December 2012 the Federal Senate met in a plenary session for a solemn ceremony to commemorate the Movement’s beginning and its founder, Chiara Lubich. Important politicians from Brazil were present.

The event, held in the Senate Hall, was presided over by Senator Wellington Dias. Among those present were Luiza Erundina, a member of Congress, Senator Pedro Simon, Deputy for the State of Amazonas, José Ricardo Wendling, of the federal judiciary, Reinaldo Fonseca, and Nilson Mourao, the Secretary for Justice and Human Rights. Mgr Marcony, parish Priest of Brasilia Cathedral gave a greeting.

Deputy Luiza Erundina (Brazilian Socialist Party, Deputy for São Paulo)

Guliana Fonseca, on behalf of the Focolare Movement, read a message from the Movement’s President, Maria Voce, who thanked ‘those who have organized, supported and run the event.’ She mentioned, among the Movement’s various activities in Brazil, the three little towns and their witness to the spirituality of unity and, with special emphasis, the Economy of Communion project ‘which in 1991 began in the social context of Brazil and which is currently taking off in many other parts of the world.’

The message concludes by saying, ‘I take this opportunity to renew our commitment to work with many “men and women of good will” so that society may be guided by robust ethical principles, such as justice, equality, liberty, solidarity, the common good, peace.… For the construction of a civilization that seeks to bring humanity into one large family, with full respect for our diverse cultures and religious traditions.’

Among those who spoke were Sergio Previdi, President of the Brazilian Movement for Unity in Politics, and André Rodrigues Pereira who, on behalf of the Focolare’s young people, presented the United World Project launched at Genfest 2012.

Source/photo gallery: www.focolares.org.br