Forward movement

Two years ago on July 7, Maria Voce was elected by 500 Focolare delegates from all over the world to become the first Focolare president to succeed Chiara Lubich

Paolo Loriga interviews Maria Voce

What has changed for you since you were elected president?
Basically my life has not changed, because I try to be consistent with my decision to give my whole life to God, and with the commitment to live Chiara Lubich’s charism. What has changed is that with my different role, I have a greater influence than before, and this challenges me to be more faithful to our ideal of unity.

The office of the president has its share of problems and decision-making. How do you handle problems?
I try not to let too much time pass before acting on them. I examine the matter at once with those who propose it, or else I write or call them to better understand their motives and expectations. Next, I consult with the co-president, and then with my other close collaborators. Sometimes we discuss it together, at other times I consult one or the other, depending on what the question requires. Thanks to that consultation, we feel we can offer an answer that hopefully comes close to what we believe God wants for that particular problem, despite its being at times a partial answer that would require a more thorough evaluation later.

After your election, you explained the style that would characterize your presidency, and you mentioned giving personal relationships priority. Has that been difficult to implement?
A good relationship is not something established once and for all; it takes work and dedication. It even means starting over every day. I wouldn’t say it is really difficult, but it’s challenging.

When founders pass away, the community they leave behind generally undergoes a difficult period. Many Church leaders were worried about the post-Chiara period. What has been the movement’s experience?
We were all worried, of course. But at this point I can assure you that I have seen the movement in a phase of growth, in the number of members, activities and commitments. I am slowly coming to realize that there has been no “post-Chiara” period of any sort but a continuity in the movement that is, and lives, due to Chiara’s charism.

This testifies to the eternal relevance of God’s gifts, and it guarantees that as long as there is one person on earth who lives this charism, the movement will always move on.

People all over the world are disoriented and perplexed. What can Chiara Lubich’s heritage offer them?
The reality of a family. Because we are family, all those we come into contact with in the movement experience a real family relationship that gives security, hope and imbues solidity when facing trials, problems and doubts. The family is what the world needs most today.

During a TV interview in Bari, Italy, the journalist concluded by saying that Chiara has left us a vigorous legacy: be a family. I like that word, “vigorous.” Vigor is what it gives to those who come in contact with us, the impression of having something they can rely on at all times.

We try to give importance to our personal witness, to our daily conversion to the life of the Gospel, and to the formation of authentic communities where true relationships are essential.

What is the greatest comfort you receive from the members of the movement?
The insistence of everyone on sharing my responsibility. They all ask me, “How can we help you?” For example, a nine year old wrote to me, “Don’t be afraid! You can count on us!” I find that very reassuring.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt inadequate?
Yes, every day! One has to accept one’s own limitations, without focusing on overcoming them all. What is necessary is to live the will of God well, trust in his grace and keep going.

Pope Benedict emphasized the central importance of dialogue among all religions. What has been the Focolare’s specific contribution to this end?
It is the desire and the ability to establish reciprocity; that is to say, to help the faithful of other religions love us as we love them, and through this create a privileged relationship based on Jesus’ commandment, “Love one another” (Jn 13:34).

Then Jesus is present as he promised (see Mt 18:20), and he doesn’t set up religions in opposition to one another. Nor does he want to mix them all together. He enlightens all of us in our journey toward that complete truth that God wants to give to humankind.

In this way, we dialogue without confusion, syncretism and confrontation, but rather with a light that permits us all to continue advancing toward a transcendent truth.

— with Mattias Buffo Folquer

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