“We are getting closer to the year 2020 when we will celebrate the centenary of Chiara Lubich’s birth”, Maria Voce wrote. “This anniversary will of course be a unique opportunity; first of all to thank God for the gift that Chiara was for us and for many people across the world. In fact, all of us were won over by the charism God gave to her and that changed or is changing our lives in a deep way. It will be a favourable time in which many other people will be able to meet Chiara who is living today in her Work”. The President ended her letter saying, “From now on, let’s ask for the abundance of the Holy Spirit, for us and all that we want to achieve, but above all for all the people who will have the chance to get to know Chiara and her charism.”

In the coming months, the Focolare communities around the world will be planning ways of celebrating this anniversary.

A commission has been set up at the international centre of the Focolare Movement, which can be contacted (centenario.chiara (at) focolare.org) to share plans, ask for advice or receive information.

Our website, too, will dedicate an area to Chiara’s centenary, where the various activities being held around the world during the anniversary year will be made known.