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The Focolare Movement –
spirituality of unity
This Movement, which promotes the ideals of unity
and universal brotherhood, was born in the midst of the hatred and violence of
the Second World War. In Trent, in 1943, Chiara Lubich, together with her first
companions, re-discovered the Gospel. They began to put it into practice in
their daily lives, focussing on the poorest areas in their city. Their life as
individuals and as a group took a quantum leap forward. That initial group of
young women very soon became a movement which spread firstly throughout Italy,
then Europe, and then throughout the world.
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A new current of
spirituality based on the Gospel sprang forth - the spirituality
of unity - giving rise to a movement of spiritual and social
renewal which is markedly communitarian in nature
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While taking its
inspiration from the Gospel, this spirituality also highlights
values commonly shared by other faiths and cultures. It has
generated a new lifestyle which responds to the widespread need
for a life of authenticity. It contributes towards peace and
unity in the world: prejudices crumble, the seeds of truth and
love contained in various cultures and religions are seen as
reciprocal enrichment, new horizons open up in the field of
politics, economics, art and culture
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Through living this
spirituality in various social and cultural spheres, many
opportunities for fruitful dialogues have opened up in the
Catholic world, thus contributing to the unity among
individuals, groups, movements and associations; with Christians
of different denominations in order to work together for full
communion; with believers of different faiths; with people of no
religious conviction.
Through these dialogues, the Focolare Movement works with many
others towards the unity of the human family.
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The Movement has 18
different branches focussing on families, young people, children
of all ages, priests, men and women religious of various
congregations, and even Bishops.
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Over the years,
several specialised areas have emerged: in the cultural sphere,
the Abba School, for the elaboration of a renewed culture; in
the sphere of the economy, the economy of communion project
involving more than 700 businesses. There are also a number of
"little towns" of witness, social welfare programs and
activities, publishing houses and magazines.
The Focolare Movement forms part of the phenomenon
of the blossoming of ecclesial movements which Pope John Paul II defined as "the
Holy Spirit's response to the dramatic challenges of the close of this
millennium".
It was first approved by the Holy See in 1962, and
its successive developments were approved in 1990. Various awards were given to
Chiara Lubich by the Orthodox Church, by the Anglican and Lutheran Churches, by
representatives of other religions and by a number of international
organisations.
http://www.focolare.org |
