Model of Incarnate Love

This work examines Mary, particularly as she stood at the foot of the cross, as a model for participating in a Trinitarian life of communion. O’Byrne outlines two theological themes at the core of Lubich’s thought -- “unity” and “Jesus forsaken.” Upon this background she analyzes Lubich’s Mariology, from the moment of Mary’s first yes at the Annunciation to her second at the foot of the cross. O’Byrne then turns her attention to Lubich's profound understanding of Mary in her desolation as an anthropological model.

“O’Byrne’s study, Model of Incarnate Love, addresses a fascinating area of systematic theology. She makes a significant contribution in a number of fields. These include Mariology, theological anthropology and the remarkable phenomenon of Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement.”

Thomas J. Norris
Author of The Trinity: Life of God, Hope for Humanity 

O’Byrne shows excellent knowledge of both the primary and secondary literature on Chiara Lubich and is able to position Lubich’s work in relation to other theological perspectives (e.g. Kasper, von Balthasar, Rahner, Zizioulas, etc). She convincingly makes the case that the spirituality of Focolare is thoroughly ecclesial, Trinitarian, christocentric, eucharistic and grounded in a Marian anthropology inspired by Vatican II.”

Dr. Declan Marmion
Author of A Spirituality of Everyday Faith:
A Theological Investigation of the Notion
of Spirituality in Karl Rahner

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Retreat master and lecturer Máire O'Byrne holds a graduate degree from the Milltown Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Dublin. A long-time member of the Focolare Movement, she is the co-director of its New Families division in Ireland.