Focolare Movement

Focolare: on the path of social Christianity

Jun 27, 2014

A symposium in Paris on "The Focolare Movement’s contribution in the Church and in society," concluded the year of the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the Focolare Movement in France.

201406Paris2At the conclusion of a year-long celebration of the 60th year of the Focolare Movement in France, a symposium on the Movement’s contribution in the Church and in society in France was held on June 4 last at the Catholic Institute of Paris. In front of quite a diverse audience, attempts were made to answer the questions: “Who are the Focolare?” and “What is their involvement in the world today?” Whilst not ignoring some criticisms, such as lack of visibility, the speakers highlighted the positive contribution the Focolare Movement has made to French society. “There are not many movements that have arrived at their sixtieth anniversary in a ‘healthy’ state,” said Jean-Louis Schlegel, a sociologist of religion, in his talk.

Padre Lethel

Father François-Marie Léthel

The symposium began with Father François-Marie Léthel, a Carmelite and professor of theology at the Teresianum University (Rome) who explained the parallels between St. Teresa of Avila and her “interior castle” (prayer, the centre of the soul ) and Chiara Lubich, with her “exterior castle” (love for our neighbour). He did not hesitate in designating the founder of the Focolare as “one of the greatest mystics of all time.” 201406Paris1Laurent Villemin, a professor of theology at the Catholic Institute of Paris, highlighted Chiara’s passion for dialogue among Christians: “which was very soon translated into practical ecumenism” and that “until the end of her life she did not give up the work for the visible unity the Church. ” Taking the concrete example of the dynamics of “Together for Europe, Gérard Testard, a member of the International Committee, said that “The Focolare have a real influence and make a decisive contribution to the communion between movements.” 201406Paris4Mons Teissier, Archbishop Emeritus of Algiers, recalled how in Algeria many Muslims, particularly young people, “found in the Focolare Movement a response to their inner search” whilst remaining “faithful to their identity as Muslims.” The President of the Social Weeks of France, Jérôme Vignon, underlined the “groundbreaking and fruitful character of the Economy of Communion”, defining the Focolare’s contribution to evangelization as a “revolutionary vision”: not so much to “make our brothers Christian” as to “let them taste the joy of mutual love and concern for others.” All areas where the Focolare can enrich French social Christianity provided they do not “hide themselves”. “Do not be afraid – concluded Laurent Villemin – to pursue this quest for a true spirituality for real lay people.”

___

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

Chiara Lubich to the young people: the joy of the early Christians

Chiara Lubich to the young people: the joy of the early Christians

In April 1984, the Jubilee of the Youth was celebrated, a few days before the conclusion of the extraordinary Jubilee of the Redemption. There were 300 thousand young people present. Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Focolare Movement, held a catechesis on joy for the young people gathered in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran on the 12th of April. Here is an excerpt of her talk.

Paolo Rovea, a life in God

Paolo Rovea, a life in God

On 3rd July 2025, Paolo Rovea, an Italian doctor and married focolarino, completed his earthly life. Following his passing, many messages arrived from all over the world, coming together to form a unique and very rich mosaic, just like Paolo himself.

Living the Gospel: the courage to stop

Living the Gospel: the courage to stop

The parable of the good Samaritan teaches us not only to draw close, touching the wounds of those around us and breaking down the walls of prejudice, but through this Word we come to understand the art of compassion and the infinite mercy with which God embraces us, cares for us and leaves us free to abandon ourselves to his love.