The Focolare Movement, WORK OF MARY, is an ecclesial movement born in the heart of the Catholic Church. It began in 1943, in Trent, Northern Italy, during World War II.

Amidst all the bombings and destruction, a group of young women, with 23 year old Chiara Lubich, made the great discovery that GOD IS LOVE, an experience that radically changed their lives. They lived as persons whose actions and thoughts were based on the Gospel.

“May they all be one, as you, Father and I are one, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21)

The last words and Testament of Jesus particularly struck their attention and became the program of their lives. Chiara and her friends understood that Jesus had died on the cross to bring this unity. The spirituality that developed was to be a collective spirituality, a way to go to God together.

The movement is made up of persons of all ages, races, vocations, and now it is spread in over 100 nations. It is articulated in various branches and structures.

Focolare means “Hearth”, “family fireside” in Italian.