This month we celebrate the anniversary of the Pact of Unity between Chiara Lubich and Igino Giordani, co-founder of the Focolare Movement, which took place on July 16, 1949. On the occasion of the celebration, Margaret Karram addresses a message to all those who are part of the Focolare Movement around the world.
Dear all:
This year too, July 16th—the anniversary of the Unity Pact between Chiara and Igino Giordani (Foco)—takes place at a time when humanity is threatened by increasing violence and disillusionment. We have prayed long and hard for peace to come soon, but in many countries, there is still much suffering from ongoing conflicts.
However, I feel in my soul that this day, so significant for the Movement, can instill in us new hope. In that Pact of 1949, the mystical experience of Paradise opened up for Chiara, in which God also showed her the contribution that the nascent Work could offer to humanity through the spirituality of unity.
That is why I feel in my heart that each one of us has a great responsibility: to embody this sublime Covenant in our daily lives, so as to "trace trails of light over the multitude and, at the same time, share with our neighbor the injury, the hunger, the blows, the brief joys."[1].
In a year in which we are still exploring the theme of proximity and experiencing the Jubilee of Hope, let us take this opportunity to open wide the doors of our hearts to each of our brothers and sisters, to foster communion and revive our communities.
Thus, our relationships as individuals, but also as groups, will increasingly reflect the invitation of the Apostle Paul to the Romans: "Love one another sincerely, esteeming one another more than oneself" (cf. Rom 12:10).
AND This is precisely how we will realize that "nothing of love" that underlies the Covenant. I am certain that this will bear fruits of peace for us, for the Work, and for the world.
It will be the best preparation for the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement, next March 2026, which will help us discern the paths to follow in the near future.
Best wishes to everyone and Happy Pact Day!
Margaret Karram
[1] Chiara Lubich: The appeal of our time. In The spiritual doctrineMadrid: Ciudad Nueva, 2002
