“Recognising Oneself, The Statutes: a Path and a Mirror”: Lesson 5

The final lesson of the UPM 2025 course, “Recognising oneself The Statutes: a path and a mirror”, was transmitted on Saturday 10th May and is available to watch here.

Lesson 5 explored the Statutes from several international perspectives, drawing on the insights of canon lawyers and experts.

The key themes and perspectives covered were:

Juridical, Ecclesiological, and Charismatic Reading of the Statutes:
Cristiane Ganda Ribeiro (Brazil), a canon lawyer, discussed how the statutes defined the Work of Mary as a private universal association of pontifical right. She explained its relationship with the Catholic Church and emphasized that the statutes reflected the charism of unity that was central to the Focolare Movement. The Statutes are not merely legal documents but also an expression of the Movement’s spirituality and mission.

Structure of Zones, Branches, and Movements:
Rafael Tagugang (Ivory Coast), a lawyer specializing in canon law and Zone Delegate of Western & Central Africa, examined the parts of the Statutes that pertain to the organization of the Focolare Movement in zones, branches and various movements within it. He underscored the importance of unity and synodality in the structure of the organization and highlighted how the statutes ensured spiritual and operational unity between the central administration and the local zones.

Dialogue with Other Churches and Beliefs:
Elfriede Glaub (Germany), a Canon lawyer and Diocesan Judge, analysed the sections of the statutes that addressed the Focolare Movement’s engagement in dialogue with other Christian churches, ecclesial communities and people of non-religious convictions. She emphasized the inclusion of non-Catholic Christians and followers of other religions within the Work of Mary and the importance of seeking their input in relevant decisions.

In essence, the final lesson of the course, and this summary, emphasized that the Statutes are a vital tool for understanding the Focolare Movement’s identity, structure, and mission. It encouraged engagement with the Statutes to better understand one’s role within the Work of Mary and to contribute to its mission of unity in diversity. The Statutes provide a framework for governance that serves unity and for living out the charism of love in freedom and responsibility.

Lesson on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/74hh3LNoGUw?si=YoBiUyIogmSivxLU