What Is Philipa's Role In The Focolare Movement

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Maria Teresa and Ruggero Badano’s prayers had finally been answered after eleven years of waiting. On October 29, 1971, a healthy baby girl was born. She was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and named Chiara Luce Badano, which means “clear light” in English. As a young child, Chiara honored the works of mercy by visiting the sick, sheltering the homeless, comforting the afflicted, and praying for the living and the dead. Chiara was especially concerned for children and their suffering. She joined the Focolare Movement founded by Servant of God Chiara Lubich during World War II. The Focolare Movement, which still exists today, means “hearth” or “family fire” and focuses on the unity and spiritual renewal within Roman Catholicism. It is sometimes called the “work of Mary,” …show more content…
She once said, “I dream about a day when the slaves’ children and their masters’ children will sit together at the table of brotherhood like Jesus with his apostles.” Chiara retained her love for humanity as she grew up. Although her humility and compassion were unmatched, Chiara lived a normal life with friends, school, family, and sports. It was one day during a tennis match she felt a searing pain in her left shoulder. Tests showed that Chiara had osteosarcoma, an aggressive and painful bone cancer. Doctors knew that she was terminally ill and on October 7, 1990, the feast of the Virgin of the Rosary, Chiara Luce Badano died after two long years of suffering. While she was sick, Chiara refused to be put on morphine, as she desired to offer up her sufferings to Jesus. Despite her paralysis, she continued to attend Focolare meetings and once said “I have nothing left, but I still have my heart, and with that I can always love.” Throughout her suffering, Chiara comforted others and reassured her parents. Her last words were directed at her mother, “Goodbye. Be happy because I am

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