Courtney McGrailA leading member of Focolare in Ireland has welcomed the start of the cause of beatification and canonisation of Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement, an international organisation that promotes the ideals of unity and universal brotherhood.
“It brings great joy to many that Chiara is to be put forward for beatification by the Church,” said David Hickey, one of the people responsible for Focolare in Ireland.
Mr Hickey added that members of the movement feel “a certain excitement and curiosity” about the next stage of the process of beatification.
The Congregation for Saints’ Causes authorised the opening of the diocesan inquiry into the potential sainthood of the Italian, who died March 14, 2008, aged 88.
Focolare has around 500 members in Ireland and 1,000 collaborators, and a centre at Curryhills, Co. Kildare.