FOCOLARE MOVEMENT

The worldwide Focolare Movement (Work of Mary) embodies a specific form of spirituality best described as the Gospel seen from the perspective of unity; the aim is to strive for the unity Jesus prayed for on the night before he died; "Father, may they all be one" (see Jn 17:21). Focolare had its origin in 1943 in Trent, Italy, when a young schoolteacher, Chiara Lubich, together with a few young women, amid the devastation of World War II, came to see that there is but one ideal that can never fail. This "ideal" is God, who is love. They focused their lives on the gospel and many others followed. Within a few months, over 500 people had joined them in living what was emerging as a new spirituality in the Church: the "spirituality of unity," which is based on the mutual love inherent in Jesus' new commandment. It is a way of going to God together, which brings about a change in individuals, in groups and society, uniting people beyond all their differences.

In 1962 Focolare was initially approved by Pope John XXIII, and received the continued blessing of Pope Paul VI, who on Feb. 8, 1978, said to a group of its members: "Be faithful to your inspiration which is so modern and so fruitful." The movement spread to every continent and came into special prominence in 1977 when its foundress, Chiara Lubich, was awarded the Templeton Prize for progress in religion.

The spirituality of the Focolare Movement bears striking kinship with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. The council frequently recalls the promise of Jesus to be present wherever two or more are united in his name (Mt 18.20). The council's stress on unity is well known. "For the promotion of unity belongs to the innermost nature of the Church" (Gaudium et spes 42). These are only two of the fundamental points of the spirituality of the movement.

The Focolare Movement has many branches, including five that are movements in their own right, though animated by an identical spirituality and represented in the General Coordinating Council of Focolare in Rome and locally. At the core are the focolarini, lay men and women living in separate communities called Focolare houses. Following the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the focolarini work as other lay persons in regular jobs and professions. Their goal is to maintain unity and hence the presence of the risen Lord. Some married persons, while continuing to live in their families, participate fully in the life of the Focolare houses.

Also part of the Focolare Movement are the Volunteers, who emerged in the wake of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. They are lay people wholly committed to living the spirituality of unity and, through it, to renewing society.

The young generations make up three Movements known as the Gen (New Generation), first formed in 1966. They are divided according to their age into the Gen II for teenagers and young adults; Gen III for children; and the Gen IV for the little ones.

The priests' movement is made up of diocesan priests committed to living the Focolare spirituality. Often the life of unity of these priests brings about a transformation of parish life. Seminarians living this spirit make up the GenS (Gen Seminarians).

There are also bishops who share in the spirituality of the Focolare, as well as men and women religious, who are associated with Focolare while continuing to live in their own communities. Focolare spirituality helps them to see how the specific charism of their founders can be lived in the present time. They also cultivate a rapport of unity with other religious orders and congregations. Young religious living this spirit form the GenR (Gen Religious).

Between 1966 and 1984, a further development saw the emergence of large-scale but less formally organized bodies within the Focolare: New Humanity, New Families, Youth for a United World, Young for Unity, Parish Movement; all of these aim to bring a spirit of unity into their respective environments and fields of endeavor.

At the international headquarters of the Focolare, the president (who according to its statutes will always be a lay woman) is helped by a council in which all branches of the Focolare and all aspects of the life of its members are represented. The Focolare throughout the world is organized in 75 "zones" (i.e., geographical territories), each with its own council acting in unity with the international headquarters.

Wherever the Focolare Movement exists various ecumenical activities take place. Of particular interest is the Ecumenical Center of Ottmaring, Germany, where Lutherans and Catholics work together, though they live in separate communities. Over the years, the Focolare has built relationships with many ecclesial movements and associations within the Catholic Church. The movement is present throughout the Christian world and has also spread, particularly since 1977, among non-Christian religions.

The Focolare carries on social, cultural, and economic activities in many countries. Every year summer meetings called Mariapolis (City of Mary), are held for those who wish to come into contact with Focolare. The goal of the Mariapolis is to generate the presence of Christ in the community through the practice of mutual and constant charity. Permanent Mariapolises exist in Italy, Africa, Argentina, and Brazil. The movement operates "New City" publishing houses in many countries. The Focolare monthly magazine New/Living City, is devoted to the spirituality of the movement, and is published in 24 languages. In the United States the Mariapolis Luminosa, New City Press, and Living City magazine are located in Hyde Park, N.Y. In 1991 the movement launched the "Economy of Sharing," a set of guidelines intended to reconcile the often conflicting worlds of economics and solidarity.

On the vigil of Pentecost 1998, during the meeting of ecclesial movements and new communities with Pope John Paul II, Chiara Lubich described the essence of that something new the Focolare offers. "Holy Father, you identified love as the 'inspiring spark' of all that is done under the name of Focolare, and it is really true. It is the driving force of our movement. Being love and spreading love is our general aim. In fact, the Focolare Movement is called to bring an invasion of love into the world."

Bibliography: j. gallagher, A Woman's Work: A Biography of the Focolare Movement and Its Founder (New York 1990). c. lubich, May They All Be One (New York 1997); Unity and Jesus Forsaken (New York 1997).

[r. d. tetreau/

g. brandl/

a. lingley]