L-R: Rosenda Majury, Mary Cunningham, Lieta Betono
Lieta Betono was one of the first members of the Focolare Community in Ireland. Her determined dedication and deep faith helped lay the foundations for a life of unity and love in a new cultural context. Originally from Argentine, Lieta came to Ireland in the early 1970s, when the Focolare Movement, founded by Chiara Lubich during World War II, was just beginning to take root on Irish soil.
Lieta’s life was marked by spontaneity, joy and an unwavering trust in God’s love. With few resources but abundant faith, she and the first small Focolare community in Dublin lived out the Gospel in their daily lives, drawing others into a spirit of mutual love that transcended differences and brought healing and hope.
Susan Gately, journalist and author, captured Lieta’s story in a moving biography, “Like the Sunshine” painting a portrait of a woman whose hidden sacrifices bore lasting fruit. Those who met Lieta remember her gentleness, humour, and ability to see Christ in every person.
In recognition of her legacy, the Focolare Centre in Curryhills, Prosperous, Co. Kildare, is named after Lieta. The Centre continues to be a place of formation, encounter and spiritual renewal, rooted in the same Gospel spirit that Lieta lived with such authenticity. Her example remains a quiet but powerful witness to the transformative power of love lived in community.
Watch the video of the launch of her biography written by Susan Gately:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSTLYQTsfug
Listen to the song in her honour composed by Factor One, “You have arrived” (words below).
https://open.spotify.com/track/56Lsm5o8cILNIykivZhRyC
YOU HAVE ARRIVED – Song for Lieta
This is the moment
This is the time.
The journey is over,
You’ve crossed the finish line.
All of the waiting
All of the pain,
Vanished forever
Along with the rain.
Moment by moment
You knew what to do
Your love for each person
Was always so new.
Happy by nature;
Happy by name;
You gave yourself to us
Again and again.
Chorus
Now you have arrived
Where the sun will shine forever.
The light of your faith,
The flame of your heart (X2)
You have arrived, you have arrived.
We don’t say goodbye now
‘Cos we’ll meet again.
Pilgrims together
In a world without end.
In heaven forever
With all of our friends,
With Mary our Mother
We’ll live without end.