43 years in Asia, she saw the birth and development of the Focolare in these lands

Rocca di Papa, February 18, 2010

During these days, the journey of the President of the Focolare in Asia has brought the life of the ideal of unity on this continent into the spotlight. You who were a witness of the beginnings, can you tell us how it all began? Where are the roots of the spread of the evangelical life inspired by the charism of unity?

I followed the journey of Maria Voce in Asia with the greatest of interest, interest and joy.

Few names of people and places leave me indifferent, having lived in Asia for 43 years and having, therefore, seen the growth and the development of the Movement.

From January, 1966 with Guido Mirti and three other Focolarini, we began in Manila, at the invitation of the cardinal, Rufine Santos. Then together with the first Filipinos, through their generous efforts, money and prayers, the life of the Gospel, the Ideal of Unity was spread throughout all Asia. I must say that everywhere – such as in Manila, where Father Taschner, still living, brought the “word of life” to thousands of people – there were almost always priests and nuns opening the way for us. And the path was continued in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan… all the way to Indonesia.

What were the principal stages in those years and what were the most difficult moments, and the most beautiful ones?

The principal steps were the visits of Chiara in 1981 and in 1997. With her the interreligious dialogue was given an impetus that has been carried forward to the fruits of today. The Movement was strengthened: the small city of Tagaytay was born… There are now in various countries of Asia many thousands of people who live the spirituality of unity, that has been accepted as an answer to the enormous problems also of this continent.

Moments of joy, many. Many difficulties, also. The most painful moment: in March 2008, the news that Chiara was “going,” in a certain sense, leaving us… It was nighttime, I was together with others in Jakarta, truly at the ultimate point of Asia. All around it was flooding…

In closing, a word of comment about this long journey…

Today Maria Voce has taken all Chiara left her, with serenity, courage, humility, the fruit of unity. This visit confirmed to thousands of people how much the plants born from the seeds sown by Chiara have grown in these lands. We were already certain of this, and this has been confirmed for us.

The website editors