TUESDAY January 9, 2001 volume 12, no. 9
Hindu Organizations Honor Chiara Lubich
For Tireless Dedication to Peace and Unity
COIMBATORE, India, JAN. 8, 2001 (ZENIT.org).- Several prestigious
Hindu institutions in India recently honored Chiara Lubich, founder
of the Focolare Movement, for her tireless work in favor of unity and
peace.
The awards ceremony was held on January 5 in Coimbatore, India. The
event was an important opportunity for dialogue and friendship
between Hindus and Christians.
The "Defender of Peace" prize was awarded to Lubich by "Shanti
Ashram", an organization dedicated especially to social action in the
field of education for the neediest; and by the "Sarbodoya" movement,
which takes its name from one of the leading ideas of Mahatma Gandhi,
namely, commitment to a life of dignity for all.
In the presence of an audience of more than 500 people, Hindu leaders
acknowledged the tireless endeavor of Lubich to "sow seeds of peace
and love among men and women, a sign that the message of Jesus Christ
is relevant, timely, and useful to resolve contemporary issues."
The whole ceremony was centered on two key concepts: the importance
of reciprocal acceptance, and the need for love to overcome
difficulties and divisions.
During her address, Lubich referred to her spiritual experience since
the beginning of the Focolare Movement. "The Lord led us to the heart
of his Gospel, which is the law of love, in order to live that
'Golden Rule' that is common to all religions: 'Do unto others as you
would have them do unto you,' or, as Mahatma Gandhi admirably said:
'You and I are one and the same. I cannot wound you without harming
myself.' "
The president of "Bharatya Vidya Bhavan" of Coimbatore, a cultural
and religious institute regarded as a point of reference for Hindu
orthodoxy, stressed this same point. "India is a country with a great
cultural and religious heritage, but today it must face new
challenges, and grave social problems, which are often linked to a
materialist mentality, desirous of possessions and devoid of moral
values," he said.
Sri Krishna Raji Rayar, president of "Bharatya Vidya Bhavan",
observed that the "central issue, therefore, is to overcome hatred
with love, and to transmit it to others. Chiara has shown us the way
because she has had an experience of God."
ZE01010801
For other news stories, see
January 9, 2001 volume 12, no. 9
Global News from the Universal Church
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