The founder of the Focolare movement Chiara’s spiritual vision was founded on the Lord’s prayer: “that all may be one.”

Here is the report from Asia News:

Chiara Lubich, founder of the Work of Mary, better known as the Focolare Movement, died at 2 am this morning in here home in Rocca di Papa, close to Rome.  She returned home yesterday evening, at her express wish, after a lengthy stay at Gemelli hospital.

A press release issued by the Movement states that “in a serene and intensely moving atmosphere of prayer, at the age of 88 Chiara Lubich concluded her earthly journey”.

“All day yesterday” – continues the release,  – “hundreds of people – relatives, close collaborates and her spiritual children – passed through her room to bid her a final farewell, before gathering in the nearby chapel, and around the house in prayer.  An uninterrupted and spontaneous procession.  To some, Chiara was even able to signal understanding, despite her extreme weakness”.

Chiara Lubich (baptised Silvia) was born in Trento on January 22nd 1920.  After an childhood marked by poverty, during the Second Word War, she decided to dedicate herself to God and instinctively follow a “new path” in the Church, of lay consecration and a community founded on love, which reflects the “family of Nazareth”.

Here are the words of condolence sent by Pope Benedict to the members of the Focolare movement: “she lived a constant commitment to communion in the Church and to ecumenical dialogue and brotherhood among all peoples.”