Celebrated at Vallo Torinese, Italy, on October 8, 2017.

It was in July 1966, during an audience with Pope Paul VI, when some parish priests, who came into contact with the Focolare spirituality, were encouraged to spread its spirit of unity among their parish communities. The following year, Chiara Lubich invited these parish priests and their parishioners to a meeting at the Mariapoli Centre, at Rocca di Papa, Rome. The experience lived during this meeting filled the many who participated with great enthusiasm. Thus the Parish Movement was founded, and soon it spread to parishes all over the world.

The 50th anniversary of this foundation will be celebrated on October 8, 2017 at Vallo Torinese, one of the first parishes to welcome this spirit. Youths and adults will animate this open day event, entitled “50 years of history and passion for the Church”.

Press Release – October 6, 2017

SIF – Focolare Information Service