Focolare Movement
A path that unites us

A path that unites us

An Easter of hope but above all, an Easter to be lived together. In this year 2025, which marks 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea, Christian Churches will celebrate Easter on the same day: Sunday, 20th April.

This is a wonderful coincidence that calls all Christians to take a decisive step toward unity—a call to rediscover ourselves as united in plurality.

In an age marked by divisions on every front and especially at this time that brings us closer to the mystery of the Resurrection, we would like to share what Chiara Lubich said in Palermo in 1998 about “A Spirituality for Dialogues”, specifically an “ecumenical spirituality.”

It is a direct invitation to respond to the call of mutual love, not as individuals, but together. It is an opportunity to look upon the Jesus Forsaken on the cross as a light which, even in the ultimate sacrifice, not only leads us but becomes the sure pathway along which we can take our steps.

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Photo: © Carlos Mana – CSC audiovisivi

Jubilee: Young peopple, families and holiness

Jubilee: Young peopple, families and holiness

According to the calendar of major events for the Jubilee of Hope 2025, the Jubilee for Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly will take place from 30th May- 1st June and the Jubilee for Young People will take place from 28th July-3rd August. These will be two major events that will bring thousands of people from all over the world to Rome.

For the occasion, the Focolare Movement is offering several itineraries to provide opportunities to get to know more about the spirituality of unity and the lives of some witnesses of hope. In particular, a multi-stop tour for young people has been created around Italy entitled Youth and Holiness. We interviewed Paola Torelli and Lais Alexandre Pessoa from the Movement’s Youth Centres to find out more.

Let’s start with the Youth Jubilee: where did the idea of the “Young People and Holiness” tour come from?

The Youth Jubilee is a unique opportunity to set out on a journey, both physically in Rome and in other jubilee locations around the world. This journey is not just about visiting places, but above all it is an experience of encounter with God and with many witnesses of hope, whose lives can help us grow in faith and hope. Hence the idea of Young People and Holiness, a journey in the company of some witnesses of hope, for all the young people participating in the Jubilee at the end of July.

What is the Focolare Movement offering?

Several stops around Italy are planned:

  • Genoa to get to know more about two friends Alberto Michelotti and Carlo Grisolia, now servants of God (info@albertoecarlo.it)
  • Loppiano (Florence), the international little town of the Focolare, to meet some of today’s witnesses of hope.(accoglienza@loppiano.it)
  • Assisi to discover the life and witness of saint Carlo Acutis, who will be canonised on 27th April 2025 as part of the Jubilee of Adolescents. (Youth Hospitality Program)
  • Rome for a journey in stages based on the four key words of the Jubilee: Pilgrimage and Profession of Faith, Holy Door, Hope, Reconciliation. The route will follow the traditional itinerary of the Seven Churches, accompanied by a spiritual guideline.
  • 4th August, visit to the International Centre of the Focolare (Rocca di Papa). Visitors can take a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the charism of unity and the life story of the founder Chiara Lubich, whose body is buried there. (accoglienza@focolare.org)

Can you choose only one stage or is it one complete journey that includes all the stops?

The proposed stages are independent, each group or person can choose which ones to participate in or, if possible, follow the entire route. Contact details are provided for each stop regarding programs and visits.

Are there any other initiatives for young people?

Every month, at the Focolare Meeting Point in Rome there is a gathering entitled Call to one hope – Young people on the Journey. Together with some other Movements and Associations, we offer a chance to nurture and strengthen “hope” through shared testimonies, reflection, silence, and prayer. It’s an experience of mutual discovery. Preparing these events together with the other Movements and Associations helps us grow and become ever more the Church.

Let’s move on now to the Jubilee for Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly at the end of May: what does Focolare propose?

There will be two events on Friday, 30th May. They are interactive routes to deepen the Jubilee of Hope, designed for families with children and young people up to the age of 12, They include reflections and games suitable for that age group. The first will take place at the Focolare International Centre where participants can visit several significant places, such as the house where Chiara Lubich lived and the chapel where she is buried, together with the co-founders of the Movement. The second event will take place in Rome in several churches and significant places, starting from the Focolare Meeting Point.

For more information click here or write to: sgmu@focolare.org.

Lorenzo Russo

Photo: Città di Sassello (Italia) ©Davide Papalini

Igino Giordani and the relevance of his message of peace

Igino Giordani and the relevance of his message of peace

Wars, massacres and bloodshed, extreme polarizations, situations in which even pacifism can become divisive: this is the current situation in which we are immersed.

The figure of Igino Giordani (1894-1980), a man of peace because he was a just and coherent man, gives us some inspiration today to lift our gaze and continue to hope, attempting to foster a dialogue even where it seems impossible, to break down crystallised ideologies and absolutisms, to build an inclusive society and to rebuild peace on unity.

One of the most vivid witnesses of the culture of peace of the twentieth century, his pacifism draws directly from the Gospel: killing another man means murdering a being made in the image and likeness of God. Giordani therefore yearned for peace, spent himself in every possible way for it ways, engaged in dialogue with anyone in the name of peace, did not back down even when it came to lending his support to the ratification of the Atlantic Pact and ensuring the security and defence of Europe and Italy… We can say that his pacifism was comprehensive and spared no effort.

Let’s look at some of his writings.

“…World War I broke out […] And massive pro-war rallies took place in the streets, which I attended so as to protest against the war; so much so that once a person I respected, upon hearing my shouts, admonished me: ‘You’re asking to be killed!’…

[…] In the “radiant May” 1915, I was called to arms. […] […]

The trenches. It was there, that I left school and entered life, in the arms of death under the salvos of cannons. Mud, cold, filth, there I bitterly discovered that the soldiers were all opposed to the ‘murder’ called war, because murder meant the killing of a man: they all detested it… […] We were in Oslavia, near some ruins called Pri-Fabrisu: Later during a three-year hospital stay, I recalled the memory of the agony (from the Greek, “agon” meaning struggle) suffered in those places in a short poem entitled The faces of the dead. I remember the last verse that said: “This is curse of war”
[2]».

Giordani was seriously injured and when he returned from the trenches, he spent three years in the military hospital in Milan, suffering irreversible damage to one leg. His pacifism was therefore grounded in life experience. Later, when he was engaged in political life, he always strove for dialogue with everyone, even with those whose views differed from his, firmly believing that every person should always be welcomed and understood. He never entrenched himself in absolute positions. This is how he described his speech in Parliament in favour of the Atlantic Pact:

“I remember a speech I gave in the Chamber on 16th March, 1949 […], about the Atlantic Pact, which had for too long been presented solely in its anti-communist aspect, that is, as a military build-up against the Russians […] I said that every war is a failure of Christians: “If the world were Christian, there would be no wars… […] War, I added, is murder, it is deicide (killing of God’s image, that is, of man who is made in his image) and it is suicide”

[3]».

Giordani’s speech was applauded by both the right and the left: a patient weaver of relationships, he highlighted the positive value of a choice by Italy that could have been interpreted as in favour of war. Giordani firmly believed that for peace to prevail, every possible path must be pursued, transcending strategic allegiances. He hoped that Christian politics would be capable of unravelling the existing polarizations to act in favour peace.

In 1953, he wrote:

“War is a large-scale murder, cloaked in a kind of sacred cult […]. It is to humanity, what disease is to health, what sin is to the soul: it is destruction and devastation, affecting both body and soul, individuals and communities.

[…] The end may be justice, freedom, honour, bread, but the means produce such destruction of bread, honour, freedom and justice, as well as human lives, including those of women, children, the elderly and innocents of all kinds, which tragically nullifies the very purpose for which they were intended.

In essence, war accomplishes nothing except to destroy lives and wealth




[4]».

Giordani therefore reminds us that peace is the result of a deliberate project: a project of fraternity among peoples, of solidarity with the most vulnerable, of mutual respect. This is how a more just world is built, today too.

Elena Merli
(Centro Igino Giordani)

Photo © Archivio CSC Audiovisivi


[1] Igino Giordani, L ‘inutilità della guerra, Città Nuova, Rome, 2003, (third edition), p. 57
[2] Igino Giordani, Memorie di un cristiano ingenuo, Città Nuova, Rome 1994, pp.47-51
[3] Idem, p.111
[4] Igino Giordani, L’inutilità della guerra, Città Nuova, Roma, 2003, (third edition), p. 3

Summary concerning Safeguarding 2024: an integral conversion

Summary concerning Safeguarding 2024: an integral conversion

We are publishing the report of the year 2024 on the activities of the Focolare Movement concerning the Safeguarding of the Person, starting with the words that Pope Francis addressed to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and with which in fact, he updated the mandate with which he had established it 10 years ago. We feel strongly called to fulfil this ‘integral conversion’ to which the Holy Father is calling us, which is never completely accomplished, but asks us to question ourselves continuously, to have for each person a humble, always attentive, protective and welcoming attitude. He asks us to continue with perseverance on the path of formation and authentic closeness, aware of the need for change, so that each person may feel safe, loved and respected in our environments and in our various activities.

There were three elements that characterised the past year from the point of view of safeguarding in the Focolare Movement: listening and the involvement of victims and witnesses in various capacities in the process of reparation, and the formation of the people in positions of responsibility in the movement; the expansion of courses and formation events for all participants and to continue to establish the regulations, with the updating of the document for the “Procedures for handling cases of abuse” as well as the drafting of the Guidelines for Listening and Welcoming Services.

The meeting last November of those responsible for the Movement around the world, with some people who had been affected either by sexual abuse or abuse of authority, by members of the Focolare Movement, was of fundamental importance. People told their stories of great suffering and the serious consequences on their lives and on the communities that they were or still are a part of. Also present were some family members of one of the people abused who gave their testimony of the serious impact that abuse has on all members of the family. The words of one participant expressed clearly the importance of that moment: ” Listening to these people marked a before and an after. With delicacy and clarity, they expressed to us how much the Movement has failed in what is at the heart of its charism: unity and love of neighbour, because in many cases we have not only been co-responsible in some way, for the abuse committed, but we have also left people alone to cope with their suffering ”.

In addition, the contribution of the those who have suffered abuse together with the involvement of professionals in various disciplines, from outside the Movement, have been fundamental to the work done at the International Centre and in the local areas. This included the documents that have been produced, as well as for the formation in Safeguarding of the Focolare communities around the world, together with the planning and opening of some spaces for listening and welcoming.

Read the report concerning Safeguarding 2024

Downloadable PDF in English.

A Study Commission has now been set up to look at the abuses of authority and spiritual abuses that have occurred within the Movement. The aim is to investigate their causes, so as to be able to change harmful practices and implement the necessary prevention. The study, which is still ongoing, also makes use of advice from specialists from outside the movement in various fields: psychological, pedagogical and legal. This project was supported and encouraged by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life and, despite being in its early stages, its great importance is recognised. So it is clear that the creation and enacting of norms and Procedures is not enough, but the dynamics, leading to the various forms of abuse, must be investigated.

Finally, regulatory documents and guidelines have been updated, developed and produced (as illustrated below), which are also the result of a fruitful collaboration with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which has followed and promoted the new steps taken.

Stefania Tanesini

[1] Message of Pope Francis to the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, 25March 2025

Ecumenical Conference: with Hope and Courage

Ecumenical Conference: with Hope and Courage

in an interview published on the Vatican News website, during the days of the ecumenical conference entitled “Called to hope – Key players of dialogue” promoted by Centro Uno, the Focolare’s international secretariat for Christian Unity, Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, said, “Today, more than ever, in the world in which we live, so full of divisions, tragedies, conflicts, where people do not engage in dialogue, meeting together is very significant.” Her words expressed a certainty that resonated in the hearts and in the experience of the 250 people from 40 countries and 20 Christian Churches and of the 4,000+ connected worldwide via streaming, who participated in the event.

The Conference, held at the Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo from March 26-29th 2025, opened with contributions from Jesús Morán, Co-President of the Focolare Movement and Callan Slipper, an Anglican theologian who said: “Ecumenism, by repairing our personal interactions within the Christian community, allows the Church to be herself. What humanity needs, we need too. Our spiritual health diminishes without it, just as every other dimension of human life cannot reach its fulfilment without the reconciliation brought by Jesus”. Morán concluded: “Unity rather than union and Christianity as a way of being rather than as a doctrine, can be two fruitful paths for ecumenism in response to what history demands of us today”.

The conference proposed a method for walking in unity: the kind of dialogue that emerges from the spirituality of the Focolare, the dialogue of life, the dialogue of the people alongside a similar concept known as receptive ecumenism. Through her experience, Prof. Karen Petersen Finch, an American Presbyterian, highlighted the importance of involving more people in dialogue on the doctrine of the faith, which is normally reserved only for theologians, Church leaders and official committees for dialogue.

One day was dedicated to a pilgrimage to Rome with a visit to the Basilica of St. Lawrence the Martyr and the Abbey of the Three Fountains, where tradition places the martyrdom of St. Paul. In an atmosphere of recollection, one of the participants described the day as: “an encounter with the first martyrs of the undivided Church who, with their authentic life, faith and their witness, instil in us the courage to proclaim Christ today”. The pilgrimage concluded at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls with an ecumenical prayer. Ecumenism has its biblical root in prayer, beginning with Jesus, who while praying, asked the Father: “That they may all be one”. His words, echoed in various passages of Scripture, invite us to ask anything of the Father “in his name, together and in agreement”. And so, together, gathered in unity, priests and lay people of all the Christian confessions present, jointly asked the Father for peace in every corner of the earth and for reconciliation among all Christians.

The themes addressed during the conference included the significant commemorations for 2025: the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea; Easter which will be celebrated on the same day by all the Christian Churches; and the 60th anniversary of the lifting of the excommunications between the Church of Rome and that of Constantinople. Referring to the Council of Nicaea, Dr. Martin Illert, a representative of the World Council of Churches, said: “I am convinced that common prayer and reflection pave the way for unity, as they remind us of both our common roots and our shared mission.” Msgr. Andrea Palmieri of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity observed: ” These events are undoubtedly important, but (…) words must be followed by concrete, prophetic decisions. I am convinced that the reflections initiated this year will contribute to the maturation of decisions that may shape the future of the ecumenical journey. ”

The Conference also explored how synodality can contribute to ecumenism. In a panel featuring participants of the Catholic Church’s Synod: three fraternal delegates (members of various churches), a Catholic Bishop and a Special Guest shared the lived experience of how the active participation of everyone contributed to affective and effective dialogue, which had as His Eminence Khajag Barsamian, of the Armenian Apostolic Church said, a “strong ecumenical dimension, which emphasized unity, shared spiritual experiences and mutual respect among Christians”. Rev. Dirk G. Lange of the Lutheran World Federation, affirmed, “The whole Synod as a spiritual exercise profoundly influenced my understanding of myself, my ministry, and my Church”. Monsignor Brendan Leahy, Catholic Bishop of Limerick (Ireland), added that the Synod’s method, the “Conversation in the Spirit,” made him “more attentive in my work and ministry to listen more, recognizing the seed of truth in every person,” while Dr. Elizabeth Newman of the World Baptist Alliance stated that synodality is grounded ” in the awareness and practice that one’s own point of view must not prevail. You don’t have to ‘win’.” Margaret Karram emphasized: “We know that hope is a virtue and we cannot lose it. We must nurture it, cultivate it within us so that we can give it to others,” and she invited everyone to increase hope and faith through “even small gestures towards others: gestures of solidarity, communion, and openness… only in this way can we hope”.

In summary, the Conference was a call to hope, marked by reflection, in-depth discussions, concrete actions and life testimonies which illustrated the path of ecumenical action at the global level (Global Christian Forum, JC2033), at the international level (Ikumeni– Latin America, Together for Europe, John17) and at local level (from Brazil to the Philippines, from Northern Ireland to Serbia, from the Netherlands to Venezuela, from Germany to Uganda…). It engaged churches, priests, laypeople, theologians, scholars, adults, and young people—truly, all were key players in the dialogue.

Carlos Mana

You can view the streaming of the Conference on the focolare.org Youtube channel

(Photo: © Javier García, Joaquín Masera, Carlos Mana – CSC Audiovisivi)