Focolare is an ecclesial movement for spiritual and social renewal. Officially known as the “Work of Mary,” it was founded in Trent, Italy in 1943 by Chiara Lubich and her closest friends, and approved by the Catholic Church in 1962. The movement has now reached 183 countries, and more than 2 million people share closely in the life of the movement and its work.
Inspired by Jesus’ prayer, “May they all be one” (Jn 17:21), Focolare features a spirituality of unity, which has become a lifestyle for people of all ages and backgrounds. It transforms their lives and relationships, and by extension positively influences the social and ecclesial contexts where they live and work.
Countries where you'll find Focolare
The year Focolare began
People share its spirituality
Together with many other groups moving in this direction, Focolare is committed to building fraternal relationships among individuals, peoples, religions and cultures. It does this by engaging in various forms of dialogue in many areas of society.
Focolare includes people with no religious affiliation, faithful of the world’s religions, Christians of various denominations, and Catholics. Each shares the movement’s goal and spirit, while at the same time following their own faith and conscience.
Christian denominations represented in Focolare
Faithful of world religions who share the movement’s spirit
Entreprises sont inspirées par les principes du Mouvement des FocolariBusinesses inspired by Focolare principles
At the heart of Focolare are small communities of single women and men who dedicate their lives to God with vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They live in households called “focolares,” from the Italian word for “hearth,” where a family would typically gather around for warmth and light.
Think of Focolare as a large, diverse, global family. Focolare’s founder Chiara Lubich described it as a “new people born of the Gospel.” Like many communities, it has and creates its own culture, and is probably best understood by experiencing it together with people who live its spirituality. Like many cultures, it can be described, but it’s best to come see for yourself.
A spirituality for today’s world
Every Focolare initiative is rooted in its spirituality of unity.
Unity is a story worth telling
Inspiring experiences about loving and building unity.