“Our house”. That is what Centro Mariápolis Luminosa aims to be. It is a welcoming embrace for every group and person who arrives. The Centro Mariápolis Luminosa stands as a beacon of love. It is located just 25 kilometers from Madrid in Las Matas. This residential area is part of the municipality of Las Rozas.
The Centro Mariápolis Luminosa officially opened on December 6, 2002. Chiara Lubich herself inaugurated it. However, it had already been functioning for some years. Its name commemorates Margarita Bavosi. She was a focolarina nicknamed Luminosa. She served as co-responsible for the Focolare Movement in Spain.
Luminosa passed away in 1985. She left behind a legacy of light. Her example continues to inspire many. Her remains rest in this very center. The cause for her beatification opened in January 2005. The diocesan phase is now complete.
Many Focolare members visit the Centro Mariápolis Luminosa. People of all ages and backgrounds come here. Members from other movements and associations also visit. The building is spacious. It is bright, beautiful, and functional. But more importantly, everything is rooted in reciprocal love. This love is lived by those who sustain it. It is also lived by those who participate in the meetings and congresses held here.
The Centro Mariápolis Luminosa was built in stages. Many Focolare members contributed. They offered metaphorical bricks of varying amounts. Some even parted with family jewels. Others gave up vacations or dream trips. Some received unexpected inheritances and donated them. Others shared their professional skills. They offered their personal talents in many fields. Some spent their holidays making curtains. They also cleared weeds from the garden.
Remember the group of girls aged six to eight. They baked cakes and sold them. They donated their earnings to buy a microphone. These small acts make it even more beautiful. Thanks to everyone’s generosity the Centro Mariápolis Luminosa has reached a good stage of completion.
Margarita Llabrés is from Mallorca. She has been at this Mariápolis center since its beginning. Now retired from her last job she dedicates herself to the center. Margarita recalls the early days. They relied on a catering service. It became an extension of the center. They established a close relationship with the staff. They also contacted nearby retreat centers. They have built a strong collaboration over the years.
Lourdes Aguirre is from Jaén. She has been here for several years. She is a medical graduate. She competently manages the audiovisual aspects. Lourdes believes she contributes to the unity of the human family. She does this by working with media. Modern media brings universal fraternity closer. It facilitates communication between people. It allows sharing experiences across distances.
Paco Sánchez is originally from Jerez. He moved here with his family. He dedicates his talents to the center. He handles general maintenance and IT matters.
Mari worked as an administrator in Brazil. One day she decided to follow God’s call. She left her family. After training as a focolarina she ended up in the Centro Mariápolis Luminosa kitchen. She never imagined it. Mari feels guided in every detail of her work. She gets menu suggestions and help with shopping. She also gets help with preparing meals. Working in a group is most important to her. They consult each other. They love each other. They maintain Jesus’ presence among them. They see the joy of people at the end of each gathering.
The Centro Mariápolis Luminosa offers a service to the Church and society. It is rooted in true and unconditional love. It strives to maintain reciprocal love among all. It restarts whenever that love wanes. This ensures that Jesus remains at the heart of the Centro Mariápolis Luminosa.