Focolare Movement
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Founded 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 and even those with no religion. It is also called "Opera di Maria". The Focolare Movement is present today in 182 nations and reaches over five million people. Focolare means “hearth” or “family fireside.”
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[edit] History and Charism
Chiara Lubich, together with a small group of friends, concluded that God is the only ideal worth living for and as a result they focused their lives on the Gospel. Many others followed. Their goal became one of striving towards the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer to the Father: “May they all be one” (John 17:21).
A spirituality of unity resulted and gave rise to a movement of spiritual and social renewal.
[edit] Areas of Outreach
Through its 18 branches and six mass movements the Focolare spirituality is having an impact on family life, the youth world and on all areas of ecclesial and secular life.
Developments:
- 33 smaller cities throughout the world strive to be a sample of a society renewed by the Gospel message of unity. The first of these cities is Loppiano, which was built over a terrain donated by the family one of the participants, Eletto. In the United States the small city Mariapolis Luminosa is located in Hyde Park, New York.
- The Abba School is an interdisciplinary study center for an elaboration of scholarly disciplines.
- The Economy of Communion in Freedom, based on a culture of giving, is an innovative economic proposal now encompassing close to 800 businesses in the world.
- The Movement for Unity in Politics, present in over 40 countries, is an association of politicians who, in unity across party lines, put the common good first.
- Over 1,000 social programs are active worldwide.
- 27 publishing houses produce books and magazines.
- Centers for the arts and media are inspired by “God as Beauty”.
[edit] Dialogues
Throughout the years dialogues have opened up: in the Catholic world, among individuals, groups, movements and associations, to contribute to the strengthening of unity; among Christians of different churches in order to work together towards full communion; among believers of different religions to foster universal brotherhood; and with people of good will with no religious affiliation to work together to safeguard human values such as freedom, respect for human rights, solidarity and peace.
[edit] In Brief
The group's belief is that the charism of unity which the Holy Spirit entrusted to the Focolare is a gift of light and love. Wherever it is received, it promotes a new lifestyle, the spirituality of unity, which brings about unity and universal brotherhood in the world. The charism of unity which the Holy Spirit entrusted to the Focolare is a gift of light and love. Wherever it is received, it promotes a new lifestyle, the spirituality of unity, which brings about unity and universal brotherhood in the world. John Paul II, in his letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, proposed it to the entire Catholic Church referring to it as a ‘spirituality of communion.’ It is focused on a Gospel-based love which, when put into practice, revives individuals and communities, bringing a new spirit to every expression of life. — Chiara Lubich upon receiving the honorary citizenship of Milan March 2004. From [1]
[edit] Mariapolis
Once a year people come together to live in the spirit upon which the focolare was founded, the spirit of unity. For example in the UK participants from across the kingdom meet others, to make new friends and cement old relationships. The mariapolis is renowned for it diversity. A great time is had by all, religious and non religious. Put simply, it is good people meeting together to have a good time.
[edit] Inundations
As a response to the group's perception of a need in the world for a different way of living, working, and communicating, Chiara Lubich has launched "inundations" in the Movement. They consist in a slow changing of all job spaces, resulting in a better relationship. The media, sports, and teaching are the first affected areas, where the adherents try not only to sell, but to instruct; play not only to win, but to respect the others; and teach not only as a job, but seeing each student as unique.
[edit] Criticism
Not all the people that have spent part of their life in the Focolare Movement are univocal in their judgment about it. A different and unofficial view of it can be offered by an open-forum set up by a few past members. Their aim is to offer a better understanding of some diseases that have affected members during and after their commitment and due to - this is the allegation - personality-related conflicts. You can follow it at: http://www.focolare.net (It is not an official Focolare web-site).
[edit] Critical literature
- Gordon Urquhart: The Pope's Armada: Unlocking the Secrets of Mysteries and Powerful New Sects in the Church, Bantam Press (June 1, 1995), ISBN 0-593-03388-4
