Essential Writings: Spirituality, Dialogue, Culture

Essential Writings: Spirituality Dialogue Cultures Chiara Lubich is probably one of the most significant religious figures of our times. Her Catholic spirituality of unity has given birth to a worldwide movement of several million people. She contributed to a major renewal in the Catholic Church, unity among Christians and dialogue among members of the world's religions. Only Mother Teresa could match Chiara Lubich's influence as a woman in the Vatican. But where the charismatic nun founded traditional male and female religious orders, aimed at charitable works, Chiara built one of the pioneering lay movements in the Church, a worldwide organization committed to social justice and ecumenism. Millions of people around the world follow her teachings, her example and the lifestyle of unity she promoted for all nations. And yet, her name remains almost unknown in the Catholic Church at large. A spiritual leader, mystic but living in the world, for the world and with the world, Chiara was,until her death in early 2008, the president of the Focolare Movement she founded after WW2. Many of her innovations - a reassessment of the importance of laity, a return to Scripture, a joyful liturgy, an emphasis on love and unity with "Jesus in our midst" - are simply prophetic. This book is a selection of Chiara's spiritual writings.She brings hope and unity between and among people of all faiths and denominations - and with those of no faith at all. This charism is based on Jesus' call and final testament: "May they all be one". It is also a call to peace and reconciliation. The style is joyful and poetic, easy to read for all. She talks directly, in practical words, to men and women, to the young and not so young. She is addressing specific cultures and worlds: the media, the arts, politics and business. Her "Essential Writings" are showing us how the "Good News" of the Gospel can transform our lives and our world. A reference book for all of us, to better understand what's life is all about...