[continued]

Brian Gallagher

I was introduced to Lieta probably in 1976 through Lucia, who had contacts with the Focolare Movement before she came to Ireland. Lieta, of course, had been in Ireland for some time before that. When I was asked to say a few words this evening I started to search my memory; ask people who might have known Lieta; and go through my bookshelves to see what might turn up there.

From my memory, I remembered attending one of the Mariapolis meetings with Lucia, but I could not actually place Lieta there – I am sure she was. I then remembered 11 Hume Street, where Gallagher Shatter had its offices at that time. I remember I needed a secretary, in the early 1980s I think, and that Lieta was looking for a job, so I put two and two together, and Lieta began working with us. I remember that we both were in offices on the top floor in 11 Hume Street. We got on very well as we worked together. My chief recollection of Lieta was her gentleness, and also how hard she worked, always trying to get the work finished. She took her job seriously. After some time Lieta went on to better things, probably in 1981 or thereabouts.

I asked in Gallagher Shatter if any one now remembered Lieta, but all the current staff started after we had left 11 Hume Street, so this did not produce any further memories. However I spoke recently to a retired staff member, Grace McFadden, who is in hospital at present, and she remembered Lieta and the Focolare immediately.

I then looked through my bookshelves and found a number of books by Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare, two in Spanish (Lucia’s) and one in English. There was also a book of Focolare songs. The English book is called “Manifesto”, and the first chapter is called “A Radical Choice”.  This is an extract:-

“We look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. When you realise this, your life changes radically. If you are objective enough to recognise that nothing is lasting … you will … make a firm choice of God because he alone does not come to an end. God will be the ideal of your life.  If you are sincere, you must make your life comply with this ideal without compromise or reservations.  How can this be done? There is a definite answer (from both the Old and New Testaments: “Hear O Israel, the Lord your God alone is Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might.”) … God is still no more than the name of someone in whom perhaps you believe but you do not know. Now he becomes more real in comparison with the emptiness of everything else. And if you begin to love him, he makes himself known.”

Before she came to Ireland, Lieta had made this Radical Choice, the choice of God. In coming to Ireland from Argentina, she made another radical choice. She did not go back on either of them. Because of these radical choices, many people have received blessings through Lieta. Susan kindly sent me an advance copy of her book on Lieta’s life. I have been blessed by the first third or so that I have read. I believe that anyone who reads it will also be blessed, as it is full of the Spirit. I very much look forward to continuing and finishing it.  Finally, I am very happy to say that LIKE THE SUNSHINE is now officially launched.