Focolare Movement
Prevention of Abuse
Media Area
Contacts
Focolare Worldwide

Maria Voce in France: First stop Lourdes

May 4, 2010

In collaboration with ‘Nouvelle Cité’ we are following the visit of the President of the Focolare to France. First stop: Lourdes

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.

 
 

 

 

The Focolare Movement participates actively in local church and civic affairs throughout France. These activities can be parish-based or at the level of ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue – several Muslims, Jews and Buddhists are members of the Movement. Members of the Movement are very involved in inter-religious activities in the town of Evry, to the southeast of Paris, while others support the work of the WCRP (World Council of Religions for Peace). Many participated in ‘France’s Social Weeks’ and in the ecumenical meetings for Together for Europe; in Nantes there was an event called Gusts of Unity, which involved 800 participants from 10 different movements and new ecclesial communities. There are over thirty business men and women involved in the Economy of Communion, a project that works for a fairer sharing of wealth
 

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).

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

Audience with Pope Leo XIV

Audience with Pope Leo XIV

Apr 10, 2026

On Saturday 21 March 2026, participants in the Assembly of the Focolare Movement were received in private audience by Pope Leo XIV. The Pope reaffirmed the essence and fruitfulness of the charism of unity, a gift from God for the Church and for the world, and encouraged everyone to live this post-foundational phase with confidence, transparency and responsibility.

Living the Gospel: “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening” (Lk 24:29)

Living the Gospel: “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening” (Lk 24:29)

Apr 8, 2026

How can we recognize the presence of Jesus when faced with darkness, injustices and inequalities? When hardship and suffering seem to obscure all hope? The road to Emmaus becomes a symbol of each person’s journey of faith, of our deep desire to rediscover Christ in everyday choices; an encounter that leads to joy and shared testimony. It is the moving invitation that we can all extend to him so that, once he is found, he remains with us and among us.

Easter: The Foundation of the Great Hope

Easter: The Foundation of the Great Hope

Apr 6, 2026

This reflection on the Easter reasons and origins of Christian hope, hope that still “dares” to speak to people today, is offered by Declan J. O’Byrne, theologian and rector of the Sophia University Institute.