Address by Mrs. John M. Templeton

Five years ago, with deep and concentrated humble prayers this programme was announced to the world. It has been my great privilege to share in its birth and in its yearly growth. 

It was first an ‘idea’ in my husband’s mind — inspired partly by the statement of a scientist that said ‘when the history of the twentieth century is written, the new discoveries will be found not in the natural sciences but in the realm of the Spirit.’ 

This idea or inspiration grew stronger as it was lovingly and prayerfully encouraged — Action was the next step, it had to be the right action, — God’s action, and humanly this is a fine line to walk. As the idea took form and grew, like a child it needed protective selfless prayer, ‘The Father’s will, done on earth as it is in heaven.’ 

This programme was conceived to awaken man, or to make known to man, new revelations, new ideas about God — inspiration or thoughts that would enlighten untouchable areas. 

The miracle or phenomenon of the human mind separates individuals unlike any other, each dwelling in their own mental realm, suggests trillions of inspirations or revelations, messages of the Infinite One God and of His unfathomed LOVE which is constantly feeding mankind spiritually. Inspirations, thoughts, ideas from the Infinite One come to us when we are humble, selfless and receptive. This is an experience available to every man, woman and child. We need only to open our hearts and minds to God. I know that many here today can testify to this — as can our award winner. 

David, the Psalmist said ‘This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ We can truly rejoice this day as we honour Miss Lubich, a dedicated twentieth-century disciple of Christ, a follower of the way. In the New Testament in Luke we read that Christ said — ‘Whosoever cometh to me and heareth my sayings and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like.’ Chiara Lubich heard His message, ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ She was obedient to this instruction and has been influential in bringing joy, peace and love to God’s children. She found the Master, heard Him and doeth it. 

If each and every Child of God lives his or her under-standing to its highest degree it is seen in their daily human experience and is visible proof to the unbeliever. As in the lives of Mother Teresa, Brother Roger, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Cardinal Suenens and the winner this year of the Templeton Programme of Prizes for Progress in Religion, Chiara Lubich — who can doubt the consummate example?