Focolare Movement

The United Nations 68 years on

Oct 23, 2016

On 24 October 1948, the Statute of the United Nations came to be. We remember this important event through an address given by Chiara Lubich at the UN Headquarters on 18 May 1997.

https://youtu.be/_fE7VtbWsbA Toward a Unity of Nations and a Unity of People

“I am honored to be here in the United Nations, this worldwide organization which brings together 185 member States, “united” for the main purpose of “maintaining international peace and security”.

This purpose, as stated in its charter, is pursued through respect for the fundamental rights of persons and nations, economic collaboration among all countries and the social development of each nation. Its activities have been aimed at eliminating the many scourges afflicting humanity: war, the arms race, the denial of the fundamental freedoms of each member of the human family, as well as hunger, illiteracy, and poverty.
This, we know, is the new concept of “peace and security” that has been entrusted to the United Nations: peace no longer intended as the absence of war, but as the result of conditions which generate peace.
It is therefore an organization deserving of our praise. And not only does it have the approval of the world community; it also has heaven’s blessing, if we believe the statement of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God” (Mt. 5:9).
I come to you today, representing a Movement which is actively present in practically all the nations of the world. And although it is much smaller and less well- known, it still has something in common with this great and celebrated organization.”

Read complete text of Chiara Lubich‘s address

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Your email address will not be published.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

Witnessing unity for the human family

Witnessing unity for the human family

Pope Leo XIV met with 83 cardinals and bishops, Friends of the Focolare Movement, coming from 40 countries. He invited them to be, within their local Churches and in a world marked by divisions and conflicts, witnesses to a unity capable of building lasting peace.

Margaret Karram on the ‘Within Your Gates’ Forum”

Margaret Karram on the ‘Within Your Gates’ Forum”

“This initiative truly touches my heart.” Margaret Karram returns to the Holy City, where she lived for 24 years, to take part in the inauguration of the ‘Within Your Gates’ Forum, organised by Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the University of Notre Dame.

Season of Creation 2026: The Transformation of a Community

Season of Creation 2026: The Transformation of a Community

The “Season of Creation” is an ecumenical Christian initiative that begins every year on 1st September and ends on 4th October, the feast of St. Francis. This year with the theme “Living Water”, Christians around the world are invited not only to contemplate water at the river banks, but to immerse themselves in what it represents: life, relationship, healing, hope and the love of God that flows through all of creation. Here is a testimony from Congo, in Africa.