Chiara Lubich was born as Silvia Lubich on January 22, 1920, in Trento, Italy. She was the second of four children in a family that experienced the intersection of ideological and spiritual influences. Her father, Luigi Lubich, was a socialist printer who faced employment challenges due to the rise of Fascism in Italy. Her mother, Luigia Marinconz, was a devout Catholic who imbued her children with strong moral and religious values.
Chiara's early years were marked by the economic hardships her family endured, especially during the turbulent years of World War II. Despite these challenges, Chiara excelled academically and pursued a degree in philosophy at the University of Venice. However, her studies were interrupted by the war, preventing her from completing her degree. This period of turmoil, however, played a crucial role in shaping her spiritual journey and her commitment to a life of service, peace, and unity.
Works in Global Peace and Love
The seeds of Chiara Lubich's work in global peace and love were sown during the dark days of World War II. Deeply moved by the suffering and destruction she witnessed, Chiara felt a profound calling to dedicate her life to God and to serve humanity. In 1943, along with a small group of friends, she began to live out the Gospel in a radical way, focusing on loving God and her neighbors. This was the humble beginning of what would later become the Focolare Movement, an international organization committed to promoting unity and universal brotherhood.
Lose everything, even the attachment to holiness, so that you aim only at one thing: to love - Chiara Lubich.
Chiara’s work was motivated by her unwavering belief in God's love for all people and her desire to see that love reflected in the world. She was inspired by the Gospel's message of love and unity, envision
ing a global family where everyone could live in harmony, irrespective of their cultural, religious, or social backgrounds. This message of love and unity resonated with people worldwide, leading to the rapid spread of the Focolare Movement across continents, drawing millions of followers.
Extension of Love and Peace to Fontem
One of Chiara Lubich's most remarkable contributions to global peace and love was her outreach to Fontem, a remote area in the South West Region of Cameroon. In the 1960s, a group of African bishops, led by Julius Peeters, a Dutch Catholic missionary, concerned about the high mortality rate in Fontem due to inadequate medical facilities, approached Chiara for help. Responding to this urgent need, Chiara and the Focolare Movement dispatched a team of doctors, nurses, and volunteers to the region.
In 1966, their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Mary Health of Africa Hospital in Fontem. The hospital quickly became a lifeline for the local community, drastically reducing the mortality rate and improving the health and well-being of the people. More than just a medical facility, the hospital symbolized Chiara's dedication to spreading love and peace across the globe, even in the most remote and underserved areas.
That all may be one." We were born for these words, for unity, to contribute toward its fulfillment in the world. - Chiara Lubich.
Visits to Fontem
Chiara Lubich's deep connection with Fontem was further solidified through her three visits to the region. Each visit marked significant milestones in her relationship with the local community and the development of the Focolare Movement's initiatives in the area.
First Visit (February 17 - March 19, 1969): Chiara's inaugural visit to Fontem allowed her to witness firsthand the progress made since the establishment of the Mary Health of Africa Hospital. During this visit, she connected deeply with the local people, who embraced her with open arms and heartfelt affection.
Second Visit (February 14 - March 1, 1978): During her second visit, Chiara participated in the inauguration of a new wing of the hospital and other developmental projects initiated by the Focolare Movement. The people of Fontem, recognizing her as a maternal figure, affectionately bestowed upon her the title "Mama Chiara."
Third Visit (December 29, 2000 - January 2, 2001): Chiara's final visit to Fontem was a momentous occasion as it coincided with the dawn of the new millennium. She celebrated New Year's Eve with the local community, sharing in their joy and reaffirming the enduring bond between the Focolare Movement and the people of Fontem. This visit was a time for reflection on the progress achieved and the strong partnership that had developed over the decades.
These visits were pivotal in strengthening the bond between Chiara and the people of Fontem, leaving a legacy of love, peace, and unity that continues to resonate in the region today.
Old Age and Death
In her later years, Chiara Lubich continued to inspire millions around the world with her unwavering commitment to peace and unity. Despite her advancing age and declining health, she remained actively involved in the Focolare Movement, guiding its members and championing its ideals.
On March 14, 2008, Chiara passed away at the age of 88 in Rocca di Papa, Italy, surrounded by members of the Focolare community. Her death marked the end of a life devoted to the service of others, but her legacy of love and peace endures through the Focolare Movement and the countless lives she touched.
Impact and Lessons from Chiara Lubich's Work
Chiara Lubich's impact on the world is immeasurable. Her tireless efforts to promote peace, love, and unity have inspired millions across the globe, transcending cultural, religious, and social divides. The Focolare Movement, which she founded, remains a vibrant force for good, with members in over 180 countries working to foster dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding among people of diverse backgrounds.
One of the most important lessons from Chiara's life is the transformative power of love. She believed that by living out the Gospel's message of love, individuals could contribute to building a more just and peaceful world. Her commitment to this ideal, even in the face of adversity, serves as a powerful example of the impact one person can have when motivated by love and compassion.
Chiara's work in Fontem is a testament to the importance of responding to the needs of others with concrete action. The establishment of the Mary Health of Africa Hospital not only saved lives but also demonstrated the power of solidarity and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
In conclusion, Chiara Lubich's life and work are a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of love, peace, and unity in our world. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide people across the globe, and the lessons she imparted remain as relevant today as they were during her lifetime. Through her example, we are reminded that it is possible to create a better world, one rooted in love, mutual respect, and the belief in the common good.
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Good write up.
Please, kindly replace the word "local people" to "indigenous people"