From Chiara’s Diary

Chiara was born on the 22nd of January. On that very date, in 2000, she received honorary Roman citizenship. That morning she had written in her diary:

Today 80 years old at 6:30 AM.
Today Roman citizenship.
Infinite thanks, Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit.

She received the following letter from Pope John Paul II:

On this happy occasion, I, too, wish to extend my very best wishes, while I join with you in rendering thanks to God for the inestimable gift of life.

After having called you through Baptism to become his beloved daughter, he wished to unite you more intimately to Christ poor, chaste, and obedient, through a total consecration to his love, in order to be, with all your heart, his messenger of unity and mercy among many brothers and sisters in every corner of the world.

Following the path of Jesus crucified and forsaken, you gave life to the Focolare Movement, so as to help men and women of our times to experience the tenderness and faithfulness of God, and with the grace of brotherly communion, to be joyful and credible announcers of the Gospel.

While I entrust to the protection of Mary, Mother of unity, your person and the good you have carried out during the course of many years, I invoke upon you the strength and light of the Holy Spirit so that you may continue to be a courageous witness of faith and charity not only among the members of the Focolare, but also among all those you meet along your way.

As I renew my best wishes for serene days enlightened by divine grace, I heartily impart to you, as a sign of constant affection, a special Apostolic Blessing, which I willingly extend to those who are dear to you.

From the Vatican, January 13, 2000

John Paul II

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