Focolare

The Focolare Movement is an international organization that promotes the ideals of unity and universal brotherhood. Founded in 1943 in Trento, northern Italy by Chiara Lubich as a religious movement, the Focolare Movement, though primarily Roman Catholic, now has strong links to the major Christian denominations and other religions, or in some cases, with the non-religious.

The Focolare Movement operates in 182 nations] and has over two million adherents. The word "Focolare" translates into Italian as "hearth" or "family fireside". While Focolare is the common sobriquet given to this organisation, its official name as approved by the Roman Catholic Church is "Opera di Maria" or "Work of Mary".

In 1943 in Trent, Italy, Chiara Lubich founded the movement. Chiara and her companions started off working with people in the poorest neighborhoods of the city and bomb shelters. This first group soon became a movement, dedicated to living out the gospel message and the precepts of Christianity. It spread, initially in Italy and Europe, then worldwide.

The current president of the Focolare movement is Maria Voce, who was elected in 2008. Today the movement, which is now international, considers the following issues as part of its mandate: to cooperate in the consolidation of unity in the Christian world, with individuals and groups, movements and associations; to contribute to full communion with Christians of different churches; to move towards universal brotherhood with followers of various religions and people of other convictions, including those with no religious affiliation. The movement consists of 25 branches including those for families, youth, religious dialogues, etc.

Gradually, several projects have sprung up within the movement: the 'Abba' school, the 'Economy of Communion' (which is linked with more than 800 companies), evangelism within small cities, social work, and publishing magazines. The Focolare Movement is recognized by the Pope and is present in over 182 countries.

Every year the Movement holds local retreats termed Mariapolises, where members and newcomers come together to discuss the Movement and its spirituality. The first Mariapolis was held in 1949 in Fiera di Primiero, in the heart of Italy's Dolomite mountains. Each year, over 200,000 persons attend a Mariapolis. At a Mariapolis, there typically is an ecumenical prayer room, or a panel discussion with leaders from multiple faiths. These short retreats are related to the Permanent Mariapolises, 33 "little towns" that serve as Focolare centers.

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