Chiara Lubich on a spirituality of communion as promoted in Novo Millennio Ineunte

Abstract

Since the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church embarked on a path of renewal. While in the past the journey towards God was emphasized with a flight in the wilderness, in the second half of the twentieth century through the charism of Chiara Lubich, the spirituality of communion was rediscovered. This was echoed by Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, calling for a journey towards a Spirituality of Communion. Although the Path of renewal is very exciting it is not easy and it has never been. It is marked especially with one's own commitment. The journey towards a Spirituality of Communion embraces everyone. As a newly ordained Diocesan Priest, I believe that the Church needs the witness of a faithful love which still exists today, reflecting God's love in marriage, the witness of priests and religious persons in committing their life to live and preach the Good news and the witness of all those that gather week after week to share the Word and the Eucharist. We need the support of each and every person because this is what Communion asks from us. In this dissertation I am exploring the thoughts and writings of Chiara Lubich and the different phases to share this Spirituality of Communion, how this Spirituality was promoted by Pope John Paul II in Novo Millennio Ineunte and how this Spirituality works in practice and its challenges in our diocese and worldwide.