The Focolare Movement is a Christian new religious movement and international organization that promotes the ideals of unity and universal brother/sisterhood. It was founded by the elementary school teacher Chiara Lubich in 1943 in Trento, Northern Italy as a Roman Catholic lay movement. It remains largely Roman Catholic but has strong links to the major Christian denominations, other religions, and in some cases the non-religious.
Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement
Communal electrical shop, Loppiano, 1989
Focolare town church at Loppiano
Chiara Lubich, was an Italian teacher and author who founded the Focolare Movement, which aims to bring unity among people and promote universal family.
Chiara Lubich, circa 2006
The first Focolare house at Piazza Cappuccini in Trento, Italy
Chiara Lubich at a Focolare gathering
Chiara Lubich addressing the United Nations