Pope John Paul II and Chiara Lubich : each in their own way highlighting the Church’s Marian profile

Abstract

Occasionally, when they would meet, Pope John Paul would quip to Chiara Lubich “you’re older than me!” It was true – but just by a few months. She was born on 22 January 1920 in Trent, Italy, and he on 18 May 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. Their paths would cross many years later when both had, by then, a particularly developed understanding of Mary, the Mother of God, and of her place in the life of the members of the Church. In this short article, I propose to sketch briefly some of the main points of their spiritual doctrine regarding Mary. More specifically I want to highlight the theme of the Marian profile of the Church that both held as very significant and both spoke about to one another. Each in their own way, highlighted the Church’s Marian profile. [excerpt]