Pope Francis spoke strong words at the inaugural Mass of his Petrine ministry. One of these words was “service”. How did that resonate with you?

“It echoed the way that each of us in the Focolare Movement try to live our different roles. A service yes, but a loving service. And whoever serves for love, Chiara Lubich would often recall, could be said to ‘reign’. This is not a service that lowers or humiliates but is the precise attitude of someone who totally gives himself out of love. Those who act in this way give others their proper place and put them in a condition to be what they need to be. From this it follows that service and regality draw each other out.”

Other words spoken by Pope Francesco – and he raised his voice when he said them – were “take care of the poor”. Will anything in the Focolare Movement have to be revisited?

“We mustn’t stand here and only observe Pope Francis. I think that we should look into ourselves, examine our own consciences regarding how we make use of the things that seem truly necessary, then share with others as much as we can whatever can be given away. But I also seem to perceive in the Pope’s words the suggestion of a poverty that is not only material, but able to understand those who are lonely and alone, who do not feel understood, those who are abandoned, those who don’t know God but are in need of Him though they are unaware of it. Faced with these and other forms of poverty I believe that each one of us has to ask: “What can I do?”

The Focolare Movement is in the process of undergoing an examination of conscience, striving to be converted to a greater measure of love, of service and giving. It will always be possible to grow in this regard.”

Compiled by Victoria Gómez

 Read excerpts of messages from Maria Voce to Benedict XVI and to Pope Francis