Chiara Lubich's Essential Writings

I am resurfacing after a month which included moderating a series of programs to launch Chiara Lubich’s Essential Writings, the most complete collection in English to date of the letters, meditations, poetry, reflections and conversations which capture both the original spirit and key ideas behind the Focolare Movement’s work throughout the globe.

As many of you know, Lubich’s spirituality and work has been the springboard for much of my scholarship on how a Trinitarian model might inform approaches to legal theory.  Through the series of public events and scholar’s workshops, it was fascinating to see what others were beginning to draw out of her work, from a variety of disciplinary angles.

We didn’t plan it this way – speakers were free to focus where they wanted – but in the end many of the reflections revolved around how Lubich’s focus on Jesus’ cry on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – can become a key for bringing hope, love and light to the divisions and despair that envelop our world.

The Fordham program included reflections by the Holy See’s Observer at the UN, Archbishop Celestino Migliore on Lubich’s vision for international politics.  Rabbi Tsvi Blanchard of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership gave a stunning reflection on how her work might inform a Jewish understanding of Jesus’s cry on the cross.  Peter Steinfels was also touched by her “unblinking and courageous faith” that “looks into the abyss of human suffering and does not turn her gaze.”  Here’s the CNS piece about the event that’s been picked up by various diocesan local papers. 

The Villanova program was graced by the presence of fellow MOJ-er Mark Sargent (implications for economics and corporate theory), and by Jeanne Heffernan (political theory), as well as a panel on ecumenical dialogue and the Focolare’s ongoing dialogue with African-American Muslims.  The program at Catholic University featured David Schindler and Peter Casarella.  Events were also held in Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, at St. Thomas (MN), in various cities in Texas, and in Los Angeles.

You’ll be hearing more from me on this – it’s the best English translation out there, so I’m looking forward to working it into future scholarship.  Amy