On a weekend in the summer of 1968, Fr Philip Comissari PIME, who was studying in Rome, took six seminarians at the Collegio Propaganda Fide on a trip to Centro Mariapolis of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa, a small town 30 miles west of Rome. Coincidentally, on that very same day, there was a spiritual retreat of a group of Anglicans at the centre. When we got there in the afternoon, the retreat had just begun.

Once we had taken our seats, one lady in her midlife went up to the podium. Her paces were strong and her presentation was straightforward and clear. She spoke Italian but there was instant English interpretation. It was the first time I witnessed a testimony of the Gospel as powerful as this. Although at that time I did not know who she was and how she would impact me over time, I had a very good impression of her.

The following year, I got a chance to stay at Centro Mariapolis for a short period. This allowed me to experience the key point to the unity of spirituality, which is that Jesus is in our midst regardless of the circumstances. Frankly, before my visit, I was somewhat doubtful and somewhat hopeful as to what to experience during my stay. At times, I was also being critical in my heart. However, I eventually surrendered because on the very first night when I was there, a spiritual light entered my heart and dispelled my doubts.

Later I got the permission from the bishop and joined the group for one year at the end of the third year of my theology studies, so I could experience the true spirit of unity of spirituality. Upon my request, the same lady, Chiara Lubich, gave me a motto to follow: "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” (John 15:5) Before my ordination as a priest, she also gave me a new Christian name: Paul

I always see Chiara as my third mother, in addition to my mother on earth and our mother in heaven because without her, I would not be the person I am today.