Essential Writings - Annotated by Chiara Lubich (Paperback)

About the Book

This volume gathers the essential writings of Chiara Lubich and for the first time presents them in a systematic fashion.

Book Synopsis

Theologians and leaders from many Churches and from the major world religions, including the last four popes, have acknowledged as unique in Christian history the spiritual gifts poured forth through Chiara Lubich. Her spirituality of unity has the ultimate goal of contributing to the unity for which Jesus prayed to his Father: May they all be one (Jn 17:21). This volume gathers her essential writings and for the first time presents them in a systematic fashion. It is a summa of the charism of unity, which will lead readers to ponder, understand and experience a spirituality particularly suited to the era in which we live.

"The history of the Church has seen many radicalisms of love ... that of Francis of Assisi, of Ignatius of Loyola. There is also Chiaras radicalism ... which seeks to make this love victorious in every circumstance." Pope John Paul II

Review Quotes

"This selection and arrangement of Chiara Lubich's spiritual writings opens up the heart and soul of one of the most significant religious figures of our times. In our own day, there may be nothing more important than giving witness to the hope and the possibility of unity between and among people of all faiths and of those with no faith at all. This is the legacy Chiara leaves to everyone concerned with the unity of all people."

Michael Downey
Editor of The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality

"What Chiara Lubich's writings challenge us to is the discovery of what unity really means: not simply unity between believers, but the unity that alone will heal the terrible and murderous conflicts between human beings the world over."

Rowan Williams
Archbishop of Canterbury

"Through Chiara Lubich, surely a living saint of our age, has come a gift to every person on earth the spirituality of unity. This charism, a call to fulfill Jesus final testament, 'May they all be one', announces life-giving hope to divided peoples hungry for the living bread of love and reconciliation. Her Essential Writings shows us how this 'good news' can transform our lives and our world."

Paul Crow
Retired President of the Council on Christian Unity of the Disciples of

About the Author

Chiara Lubich (1920-2008) was born in Italy. An internationally renowned religious leader and writer. Chiara and her gospel-based spirituality have inspired millions. The Focolare Movement stands at the forefront of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.

The New York Times called Chiara Lubich "one of the most influential women in the Catholic Church."

She was awarded 15 honorary doctoral degrees, numerous civic awards, the Templeton Prize for Progress of Religion, and the UNESCO Peace Prize. She has published more than 50 books in 29 languages.