by Masuo Nezu

"Our meetings always have a surprise"

In both 1981 and 1985, Ms. Lubich visited Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters in Tokyo. At the Great Sacred Hall she addressed Rissho Kosei-kai members, and at the Horin-kaku Guest Hall she spoke with Founder Niwano and President Niwano, with others in her party all around them.

On November 15, 1985, Rev. Niwano welcomed Ms. Lubich (second from right) at the party in celebration of his 80th birthday at the Horin-kaku Guest Hall.

During their friendly talks, what impressed us deeply was that what Ms. Lubich said was always precise and concrete, and deeply earnest. For example, "It was in such and such a month in such and such a year when I first met you, Founder Niwano. At that time, you said so and so. The second time was in such and such a year on such and such an occasion and I learned from you such and such and we implemented it. And then the next time was. . . ." She recollected such occasions accurately, and then said, "Now we are dealing with such and such a task. I want your advice on this matter." She always thought carefully, modestly asked for advice, and was serious about dealing with the tasks she was facing, and Rev. Niwano responded with sincerity and seriousness.

Ms. Lubich herself is a wonderful person, but it is also the case that those around her have always been thorough in assisting her. By considering her visits important, they showed their good preparation in many ways.

With Ms. Lubich at their center, Focolare members are well organized. They work as if they are inseparable from Ms. Lubich. For example, Ms. Natalia Dallapiccola, deputy for Dialogue with Other Religions, often represented Ms. Lubich in external, interreligious matters. She well understands the hopes and style of working of the Focolare Movement founder. She often says: "Chiara says," "Chiara tries," or "Chiara wants." She rarely uses the word "I."

One time, Ms. Dallapiccola visited Rev. Niwano at the Horin-kaku Guest Hall, substituting for Ms. Lubich. She began the conversation lightly with the following words and a smile: "Today, I came to you as a 'living letter' from Chiara."

Regarding the relationship between the Focolare Movement and Rissho Kosei-kai, Ms. Lubich says, "Our meetings are always surprising as we discover new ways and stimuli for deepening and appreciating our religious experiences, which have many similarities and points of commonality." Focolare members are working with this idea of Ms. Lubich's as their inspiration.

"In their smile, an echo of your smile"

In her message for the Rissho Kosei-kai ceremony installing Rev. Nichiko Niwano as president in November 1991, Ms. Lubich wrote about the youth members' activities of both organizations, "Special mention should be made about how they worked side by side, with enthusiasm and dedication, for peace and understanding among people from the Philippines to South Korea, from Europe to Africa, and to Brazil. In the fresh and sincere faces of the young people of Rissho Kosei-kai, we have always seen a reflection of the everlasting youthfulness of your (Founder Niwano's) heart, and in their smiles, an echo of your smile and confirmation that the new generations, under your guidance, have allowed themselves to be enlightened by a pure conscience and by a great love for humanity."

Exchanges between Rissho Kosei-kai and Focolare members are continuing in various ways. After encounters with Focolare people, many Rissho Kosei-kai members feel "excited" rather than "impressed." They experienced the impression of having been taught rather than of mutual learning.

The global viewpoint of the Focolare Movement can be seen in the frequent radio communications from their headquarters to their centers scattered around the world. It is reflected in the form of the hoza-like circles consisting of young people who come from many lands, with only one person representing his or her country in each circle so that every circle can have a broad international range.

This series of articles was originally published in Japanese in 2000 under the title Kaiso Zuimonki: Egao no Ushirosugata.