August/Sept. 2008

Dear Readers,
As we went to press, the results came in for the Focolare General Assembly’s election of a new president to succeed Chiara Lubich, who died March 14.

We often measure teaching performance in very personal terms. We think of the impact of our lessons, the accomplishments of our students and the outcomes of our programs. Yet the most genuine form of education, Chiara Lubich wrote in Essential Writings, transcends the self, “It seeks to build the individual and to build community.” Gail Giacobbe’s experience after retirement clearly shows us the value of moving beyond oneself and seeking unity.

The Focolare spirituality of unity has many facets that reflect on family life. Some years ago Chiara Lubich wrote a small book, Knowing How To Lose. In it she detailed ways to let go of doing our own will so as to respond to God’s will for us, which is to love. We realized that this could also be applied to our family when we try to love those close to us in the present moment.

Three young men from the Philippines share a recent experience they had, reminding us to look for every opportunity to love.

A group of award-winning filmmakers is hosted by NetOne, the Focolare’s communications center, to screen their works in the eternal city.

Eight years ago i opened a school devoted exclusively to teaching young people the art of tap dancing. From the very beginning, I felt that I was called to be more than a teacher of tap. From my very special Jesuit professors at Fordham University I realized the seriousness of my vocation as an educator. I increased my conversation with my students and I tried to enter more deeply into their problems.

Natalia Dallapiccola, the first to join Chiara Lubich, played a crucial role spreading the spirituality of unity behind the Iron Curtain and promoting dialogue among world religions. Two weeks after Chiara’s death, Natalia also became the first to join her in the next life.

An unprecedented experience

Priority to relationships of profound unity

Maria Voce became the first to succeed Chiara Lubich as Focolare president, with Giancarlo Faletti as co-president. Both share a common desire for continuity, yet also express a need for progressive innovation.