14^th March 2009 was Chiara Lubich’s first anniversary. With a live event entitled “With Chiara – a dialogue that continues” people around the globe retraced the steps of her life. One of the most significant experiences shared at the event was that of Mons. Dziwisz, who closely accompanied John Paul II. He was ordained priest by Wojtyla in 1963 and was by his side as secretary for 40 years. He is now Cardinal of Krakow, a role once held by his friend Karol. The following is a transcript of what he said in the video-taped interview.

Mons. Stanislaw Dziwisz, Cardinal of Krakow: The Holy Father first met the focolarini here in Poland, also in this house; they used to come even in a hidden way. The Pope tried to read the signs of the times, and he saw that Chiara read them in the same way, the reading of the Church and also of the world. He always had great respect for her, also when speaking privately, and I saw a great understanding between them, spiritual understanding and also commitment to the Church. And a great unity grew between these two people. Few words were necessary, they understood each other very well. I think that the Holy Father found in her, and also in the Focolare Movement, the confirmation of all that he thought, how he saw the Church; its openness toward the world, also toward other Christians and the non-Christian religions. Chiara would come to the holy Father with her close collaborators, not only officially, but also privately, for so-called working lunches. They were family-like dinners, there was absolutely no formality, just like in a family. The Pope, as we know, had an artistic spirit, I think that Chiara also had that same spirit. They had this in common too. The Pope gave great importance to lay people because not everyone understood the importance of the Movements in the life of the Church – also of women. He would speak of the genius of women. Chiara was this genius of women. It’s incredible that she was able to do what I think the Holy Spirit did through her. Chiara did not give philosophical talks, but simple talks that were full of love, and this attracted people. Many people pray through Servants of God and obtain graces. I can confirm the same. I think the same thing happens for the focolarini, that when they have some problem, they ask or they seek inspiration through Chiara. Perhaps they also ask for her help, also for her protection, and maybe now it is even more effective than before. We will see this in the future. I think that the two of them are looking down on us, they follow us, they help us.