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Collection of texts written by Chiara Lubich In this space you will find a collection of all texts published on the site, with an image of the handwritten document when available. The image can be enlarged by clicking on it |
And now the Holy Spirit.
The third divine Person had not been explored in depth by our Church, at least not by the people. The Holy Spirit was said to be “the unknown God.” We knew that he existed. We prayed to him, “Veni, Sancte Spiritus,” but there was not much more
Among the many words
pronounced by the Father
in all of his Creation,
one was unique.
Not so much an object of thought
but more of intuition,
not so much the splendor of divine sun
but a cool and gentle shade,
like a little cloud, fresh and white,
that screens and adjusts the sun’s rays
so that human eyes can see.
Commentary of the Word of Life:
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. (Lk 6:38)
Has it ever happened that you received a gift from a friend and then felt you had to give something back? Not so much to repay a debt, but out of true grateful love? I’m sure it has. If this happens to you, imagine how it must be for God, who is love.
Inserted in the programme “Segni dei tempi” on June 10th, 1984
"This morning you said that oftentimes work today is very alienating, provoking frustration and dissatisfaction. Why is this?"
Because, as I said, there are many reasons for this, above all for this period that we are going through, given this particular era where each one does their own thing – in this industrialized world – does their own small piece and does not see the end result of their labour, of their intelligence, of their creativity.
Well, according to me, one of the ways to get out of this situation would be this: we would need to be so ‘one’ among us, all the workers among themselves, but also with their bosses, with others, so ‘one’ in every workplace as to be able to experience the fruit of their own work; not only the profit that comes from it, which should be shared, etc., but also that certain creativity from that given factory should be felt by each worker as his/her own.
Now, I know of environments where people live and work in this manner, in a repetitive way piece by piece, but their is such enthusiasm about what the small enterprise or factory is producing that they say: but if we can resolve this problem on a small scale, why not on a large scale? These, naturally, are Christian environments that I am speaking about. ( ... )
Video in italian
In a hospital ward I once saw a man with a plaster cast. His chest and right arm were immobilized.
With his left hand he tried to do everything… as best he could.
The cast was a torture, but the left arm, although it was more tired than usual by the end of the day, grew stronger by doing twice its normal work.
Ladies, Gentlemen,
Distinguished Authorities of Tivoli,
Family and Friends of Igino Giordani, who have also come a distance to remember him today in this his native city which was so close to his heart and to which he remains forever bound,
First of all I would like to thank the city of Tivoli and in particular, May Veroli and the entire administrative staff of the municipality. Thank you for the idea of this “Award” which will keep alive the memory of the Honourable Igino Giordani, your illustrious fellow citizen. I would also like to thank you for the honour you wished to grant me as a sign and acknowledgement of the one ideal which closely united Igino Giordani to the Focolare Movement. ( ... )
Transcription
Audio in italian
After having quoted many Fathers of the Church – mostly bishops and theologians – Chiara now draws the example from authentic Christians, the saints. She cites Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena, patron saints of Italy, as well as more recent saints. Their lives, although admired and seemingly unattainable, often transmitted even through miraculous stories, yet seemed to be unreachable, wanted to be above all a stimulus to putting the Gospel into practice.
Jesus in the needy in the writings of the Saints
In one of his sayings, the Curé of Ars shows how it is almost natural for him to see things in a supernatural way, therefore in the true way.
“Frequently we believe we are giving assistance to a poor person, and in reality it turns out to be our Lord Jesus Christ.” (...)
Video in italian
Dear friends,
A cordial welcome to all of you, our dear friends, and my heartfelt thanks for your presence here!
This wonderful conference attended by people with different convictions is very important. You are here because you are interested in the spirit that brought to life and motivates the Focolare Movement, in its goals, in its life and achievements.
Commentary of the Word of Life:
Beloved, do not grumble against one another (James 5:9).
For a better understanding of the Word of Life offered us this month, we ought to bear in mind the circumstances that gave rise to it.
The end of Lent and the Easter of 1945 marked an experience of joy, the transition to a totally new life for Chiara and her companions.
My Dearest Little Sister in Saint Francis,
I just read this:
Saint Matilda1 saw the Lord open the Wound of His most sweet Heart and say: “Admire the size of my heart that you may know it well; nowhere more explicitly than in the words of the Gospel will you find Love, for never will you find expressed anywhere in words a love that is stronger or more tender: As the Father has loved me, so I love you.”
A text for Lent: love and the conquest of virtues.
Dearest all,
We continue on our life's Holy Journey. There are some who have already completed their journey, and some who have just recently joined us. The predominant feature of this journey is our thrust toward sanctity which is the task of every Christian. Along with you, I am also trying each day to keep the pace, and anchored in prayer in order to obtain the grace of God, I forge ahead. ( ... )
Audio in italian
