On Sunday last (12th January) we received the sad news of the sudden passing of Bruno Carrera in Melbourne. Bruno was a pioneer of the Focolare in Ireland. He came to Ireland in 1976 and alongside Pina Peduzzi, and later Lieta Betono, was instrumental in building up the Focolare Community here.

 He and Lieta, led the way in the establishment of the Focolare Centre in Curryhills in 1998. In 2000 Bruno was ordained a priest in the parish church in Properous.

 In 2002 he left for Australia to take up a leadership role there. Alongside his Focolare responsibilities Bruno also worked with the Italian community in Melbourne and was kept busy with Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals and was much loved and appreciated by all who came to know him.

 Here, he is remembered fondly, by all who knew him for his warm, kind and welcoming presence, but above all for his faithful service to our community. Many among us will have our own memories of his love, guidance, wisdom and sense of humour but above all his faithfulness to our Ideal of Unity.

 He always had Ireland in his heart and had a warm welcome for anyone from Ireland who came to Melbourne, including Brendan and Hilda Boyle, who were with him only last Thursday. He came on a return visit to Ireland in 2022 and was welcomed by many old friends.

The community in Australia sent this message: “Our wonderful Bruno has just left us. We only have gratitude for him and the huge gift that he was for us and that he will continue to be. We have no words… just gratitude.”  

May Bruno Rest in Peace

The Focolare Team