Press Release
THE FOCOLARE MOVEMENT CELEBRATES ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY
This coming 7 December, Pope Francis will receive in audience the President Margaret Karram, together with Focolare leaders from around the world. This will be followed at 18.00 by a Eucharistic celebration at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life..
7 December 1943 marks the official birth date of the Focolare Movement; that is, the day on which Chiara Lubich consecrated herself to God forever. Eighty years ago, a small community was born, which in the devastation of the Second World War wanted to restore peace and unity among all, and which would soon spread throughout the world, becoming part of the current of the New Charisms of the Church. At the heart of the Focolare's spirituality and action is the Gospel and in particular Jesus' prayer: “That all may be one” (Jn 17:21).
Today the Movement is present in 182 countries, a sign of the universality and urgency of unity and fraternity in these fragmented and tragic times. Christians of various Churches, believers of numerous Religions and people without a precise religious reference also belong to it.
On 7 December, Pope Francis will receive in audience Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, Jesús Morán, Co-President, and the group of leaders of the Movement.
"To be received by the Holy Father on 7 December 2023, exactly eighty years after Chiara Lubich's first 'yes' to God, is an extraordinary and surprising gift for us", explains the President. "We want to bring to the Pope the love and affection of the thousands of people around the world who live the Charism of unity and renew our service to the Church on this synodal path, in collaboration with so many others who want to contribute to peace and love to soothe the wounds of humanity".
At 18.00 on the same day, at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, there will be a Mass of thanksgiving for these eighty years of Focolare life, presided over by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, together with several other Cardinals, bishops and priests.
"This day", Margaret Karram goes on to explain, "will be at the conclusion of a pilgrimage that we wanted to make to some sacred and significant places in Assisi, Loreto and Rome to give thanks, ask for forgiveness and to start again with courage and hope. The Focolare communities around the world will also live this anniversary with the same sentiments and objectives, to be "witnesses of closeness with fraternal love that overcomes every barrier and reaches every human condition” [1].
Accreditation Procedures
Journalists and media workers who wish to attend the Holy Mass on 7 December 2023 at 18.00 in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major must apply, no later than 48 hours before the event, via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system at: press.vatican.va/accreditamenti
Stefania Tanesini
+39 338 5658244
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[1] Address of the Holy Father Francis to participants in the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement – 6 February 2021
