About Us
The Focolare Movement:
- a large and varied family
- a “new people born of the Gospel”, as Chiara Lubich, its founder, defined it. It is a movement of spiritual and social renewal, founded in Trent, Italy, in 1943, during the Second World War
- wants to bring the message of unity to the world
- To achieve this goal, people of the Movement engage in various forms of dialogue and are committed to building bridges of fraternal relationships among individuals, between cultural groups and in every area of society
Chiara Lubich
Chiara Lubich (1920-2008) is the founder of the Focolare Movement. Its goal is to contribute towards the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer: “May they all be one” (Jn 17:21).
Chiara, a great charismatic figure of our times, is well known for her tireless work to increase communion, fraternity and peace among people of different Churches, with followers of various world religions and with people who have no religious belief.
Many honorary degrees are awarded to Chiara Lubich by international academic institutions, in a number of disciplines (theology, philosophy, psychology, economics, social sciences, etc.).
Chiara built a relationship of friendship with Popes, heads of Churches, founders of movements and political and civil leaders, Chiara Lubich has left a great legacy that does not cease to inspire individuals and groups
1920
Chiara Lubich was born on January 22 in Trent (Italy) and baptized with the name Silvia.
1943
Attracted by St. Clare of Assisi’s radical choice of God, she chose the name in the Third Order of St. Francis. On December 7, she consecrated her life to God with a vow of chastity. This marked the beginning of what would become the Focolare Movement.
1944
After a devastating aerial bombardment, the Lubich family had to flee from Trent, but Chiara decided to stay in the city. Together with her first companions she will share an apartment in Piazza Cappuccini. This became the “focolare” .
1949
From 1949 to 1959, every summer Chiara went to the Trentino Dolomites with her first companions and an increasing number of people. Thus was born Mariapoli, the city of Mary.
1961
In Darmstadt (Germany) Chiara meets several Lutheran pastors who want to know more about her Gospel-based spirituality. This was the start of the ecumenical dialogue
1962
First pontifical approval ad experimentum: John XXIII recognises the Movement, with the name Work of Mary.
1977
At the Guildhall in London, attended by representatives of various faiths, Chiara receives the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion. Thus, dialogue with the members of various religions officially began.
1984
John Paul II visited the International Centre of the Movement in Rocca di Papa near Rome (Italy).
1990
The Pontifical Council for the Laity approved the updated General Statutes of the Focolare Movement.
1991
In Brazil, in the Mariapolis Araceli, near São Paulo, Chiara launches the project of the Economy of Communion.
1996
In Paris, Chiara was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. She receives an honorary doctorate in Social Sciences from the University of Lublin, in Poland 15 more will follow.
1997
Chiara recounts her personal experience to 3000 African American Muslims from the American Society of Muslims in the Malcolm X Mosque in Harlem, New York (USA).
1998
At the first international meeting of the Ecclesial Movements in Rome (Italy), in St. Peter's Square, Chiara felt impelled to commit herself and the Movement to embark on a journey toward communion among Catholic movements.
2004
In Stuttgart (Germany) takes place "Together for Europe", a daylong celebration leading to a greater communion among more than 150 movements and ecclesial communities from various Christian Churches. 9,000 people were present.
2007
On 7 December, by Pontifical Decree, the Sophia University Institute was established in the Focolare town of Loppiano (Italy). This is the last official act signed by Chiara Lubich.
2008
After a long illness, Chiara died on March 14 at her home in Rocca di Papa, near Rome (Italy).
2015 - 2019
On 27 January 2015, the opening ceremony of the diocesan phase of the Cause of Canonisation and Beatification of Chiara Lubich took place in Frascati Cathedral, which ended on 10th November 2019. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Holy See, continues the study and evaluation of what has been gathered.
Some of Chiara Lubich’s Writings
The Attraction of Modern Times
This is the great attraction of modern times: to penetrate to the highest contemplation while mingling with everyone, one person alongside others. continue reading>
If we are united, Jesus is among us
And this has value. It is worth more than any other treasure that our heart may possess; more than mother, father, brothers, sisters, children. continue reading>
So that we might have Light
We would die if we did not look at you, who transformed, as if by magic, every bitterness into sweetness; at you, crying out on the cross, continue reading>
Pasquale Foresi
The theologian Pasquale Foresi was the first focolarino priest and first Co-President of theFocolari.
Chiara Lubich asked him to translate into concrete projects hermystical intuitions,of expressing the spirituality of unity in the various aspects of life and cultures. He contributed to the drafting of Statutes, cultivated relations with the Holy See, gave rise to centres of spiritual formation, small towns, publishing projects.
Igino Giordani
Writer, journalist, politician, ecumenist and patrologist, he is Co-Founder of the Movement.
Husband and father, he was a versatile personality who opened up prophetic perspectives in the Movement on a cultural, political, ecclesial and social level.
In the political world, he distinguished himself as a peacemaker, living his commitment to the common good as the highest form of charity. The cause of his beatification is under way. | iginogiordani.info
Organization and Governance
According to the General Statutes of the Focolare Movement its president will always be a lay woman, with a male co-president. The current president is Margaret Karram and the co-president is Jesús Morán. The presidents are assisted by a General council which include representatives of every part of the Movement and its different aspects.
All positions of responsibility last for five years and can be confirmed only once for the same position. Worldwide, the Movement, present in 182 countries, is organized in 15 geographical regions and the activities are coordinated by a male and a female delegate together with members of a local council.
Margaret Karram
Margaret Karram was elected President of the Focolare Movement by the General Assembly on 31 January 2021, the second focolarina to succeed the foundress.
Jesús Morán Cepedano
Jesús Morán Cepedano was elected Co-President of the Focolare Movement on 13 September 2014 and re-elected by the General Assembly for a second term on 1 February 2021.