Article reported from Focolare Movement Ireland’s official website
We are thrilled to announce a new series of lessons offered by the Popular Marian University (UPM) of the Focolare Movement. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of the Statutes of the Work of Mary, the guiding principles and legal framework that Chiara Lubich left as a precious part of her legacy.
Chiara expressed the importance of the Statutes of the Work of Mary in various ways, defining them as “the photograph of the Movement”, “the chalice into which she poured all the richness of the charism given to her by the Holy Spirit” and “the juridical form of the Movement”[1]. These expressions underline how the Statutes represent not only a set of rules, but also the spiritual and charismatic essence of the Movement, guaranteeing its identity and guiding its future development.
What is the UPM?
The Popular Marian University is dedicated to fostering understanding of the Marian dimension of the Church and exploring the spiritual and communal aspects of Chiara Lubich’s vision. It seeks to build bridges of knowledge and unity among participants from all over the world.This year’s lessons will focus on exploring the Statutes of the Work of Mary, examining their historical roots, spiritual significance and prophetic role as a guiding framework for the Focolare Movement.
Why Focus on the Statutes?
The Statutes are not just a set of rules but an embodiment of the charism that animates the Focolare Movement. They express a way of life rooted in the Gospel and serve as both an inheritance and a prophecy for future generations. Chiara saw them as vital for maintaining the unity of the Movement, advising their study essential for anyone committed to its mission. This is especially important in the lead up to the next General Assembly of the Movement in 2026 in order to understand if, when and how the Statutes should be modified in order to conform to Church teaching and changing cultural contexts.
Course Details and Schedule
This five-part course will walk participants through the historical, spiritual and practical dimensions of the Statutes, paving the way toward the 2026 General Assembly.
11th January:
- Introduction to the course – Renata Simon, Francisco Canzani
- Leave only the Gospel – Fabio Ciardi, Lucia Abignente, Adriana Cosseddu
8th February:
- The Charism and the Rule – Fabio Ciardi
- A life together expressed by Law – Tiziana Merletti
8th March:
- Approaching the Statutes: a historical understanding – Lucia Abignente
- The Statutes: inheritance and prophecy – Adriana Cosseddu
12th April:
- Travelling with the Church – Andrew Recepcion
- Rules and Freedom – Tommaso Bertolasi
10th May:
How to read the Statutes (Panel Discussion) – Raphael Takougang, Cristiane Ribeiro, Elfriede Glaubitz
The lessons will be offered in five languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese) and streamed online for global access.
Join Us!
Mark your calendars and connect with us on the dates listed above, starting at 3 PM Irish time. Access the sessions through the Focolare Movement’s official YouTube channel or via universitapopolaremariana.org.
For inquiries, contact: upm@focolare.org
[1] https://www.cittanuova.it/gli-statuti-dellopera-di-maria/?ms=001&se=013&utm_source=chatgpt.com
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