50th Anniversary Publications of the Focolare Movement in North America

Hyde Park, NY

In 2011, the Focolare marks its 50-year milestone in North America with anniversary celebrations in Canada, the Dominican Republic, and throughout the United States.

Living City magazine announces three commemorative publications

The March issue features the Movement's presence in Canada and includes:

• "Global family" - The Focolare community fostering unity and exchange in a diverse society.
• "Three tips for dialogue" - Excerpts from Terry Gunn's reflections on dialogue
• Profile of Francois Rinfret and his Gospel-based daily experiences

The April/May double issue features:

• Timeline of the Focolare in North America
• Interviews with individuals and communities who live the spirituality of unity in various walks of life
• Chiara Lubich's vision of the role of North America, seen from the lens of the Movement
• An exclusive interview with Focolare President Maria Voce
• 50 years of Living City

A commemorative journal, which will be widely distributed during 2011, featuring:

• Milestones for the Focolare in North America, with map
• Congratulatory statements from friends and supporters
• Information about the major anniversary events

New City Press announces a book release for the 50th anniversary

Focolare: Living a Spirituality of Unity in the United States

by Thomas Masters and Amy Uelmen

"So, what do you do?" is a question many people ask members of new ecclesial movements such as the Focolare. Thomas Masters and Amy Uelmen answer the question by sharing the stories of children, young adults, married couples, senior citizens, single men and women, sisters, priests, and bishops who are part of the Movement.  Each person has been struck by the same profound realization that inspired the Focolare's founder, Chiara Lubich, during the bombardment of Trent in World War II: God is Love. Through these personal narratives, readers will discover the Focolare's essential spiritual and practical values, the various 'vocational paths' its members follow, and its effectiveness in engaging American cultural questions and values such as happiness, freedom, community, and commitment to the common good in public life."

"This marvelous new book shares the captivating stories of a variety of Americans whose lives have been transformed by an encounter with Christ, who find inspiration in the life of the great Chiara Lubich, and who share their faith and work together in community. This is an inviting, inspiring and invaluable introduction to one of the great new adventures in the Church today."

James Martin, SJ

author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything

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About the Focolare Movement (www.focolare.org/en/)

Focolare's founder, Chiara Lubich (1920-2008), is a celebrated figure in Catholic, Christian and world spirituality. Reaching millions of people in 182 countries, the Focolare aims at bringing oneness to the entire human family by promoting a lifestyle of unity within the Roman Catholic Church, with Christians of different churches, with members of world faiths and with individuals who have no specific religious affiliation.

About New City Press (newcitypress.com)

The Focolare's publishing house for North America (est. 1964) focuses on books that build on the centuries-long tradition of the Church while fostering a modern, communitarian approach to Christian living. Recent releases include Chiara Lubich's Rays: Short Reflections on Living God's Will and The Art of Loving; Thomas Norris's Cardinal Newman for Today; Lorna Gold's New Financial Horizons; and  15 Days of Prayer with Brother Roger of Taizé.

About Living City magazine (livingcitymagazine.com)

The Focolare's monthly magazine (est. 1961 in its English edition) features articles on unity-building, dialogue, spirituality, family life, and the Gospel put into practice. It also publishes a cultural journal, New Humanity Review, and The Cube of Love (books, teacher's guide and a puzzle cube), a proven educational program to foster peace.