Who we are
The Focolare Movement was born in Italy during the World War II, in a context marked by dehumanization, bombs and destruction. Its founder, Chiara Lubich (1920-2008), discovered that the Gospel could be lived in any circumstance, showing that it is current and brings the presence of Jesus. Together with her friends and other people close to her, she began to live the Word of God to the letter. This lifestyle, based on reciprocal love, spread rapidly, attracting those around them.
The spirituality of the Focolare Movement is a spirituality of communion: a path to God that we walk together. From its beginnings, this vocation has manifested itself in its universal character, reaching beyond the catholic church and welcoming people of different Christian denominations, other religions or those without religious convictions.
Throughout her life, Chiara established connections with people from all over the world, regardless of their beliefs, which deepened her understanding of God's love and its concrete manifestation. Today, the Focolare Movement is present on all continents and embraces people of different cultures and religions, also extending to fields such as politics and economics.
Since its foundation, the Movement has been chaired by a woman, accompanied by a co-president. Currently, Margaret Karram holds the presidency and Jesus Moran Cepedano is the co-president.
Chiara Lubich gives herself forever to God, marking the beginning of the Focolare Movement.
Following a bombing, the Lubich family left Trento, but Chiara decided to stay. She shared a small apartment with her first companions in Piazza Cappuccini, where the first “focolare” was born.
In the summers, Chiara and her companions gather in the Dolomites, attracting an increasing number of people. This is how Mariapolis, the “city of Mary”, was born.
The Movement spread throughout Europe and later throughout the world. In 1961, ecumenical dialogue began, followed by interreligious dialogue and relations with people without religious affiliation.
Piero Pasolini visits several Spanish cities, starting the Movement in Spain.
The first Focolare is inaugurated in Barcelona, followed by Madrid and Lisbon. The first Mariápolis in the Iberian Peninsula is held in Solsona (Lleida) and the publishing houses Ciudad Nueva and Ciutat Nova are born.
The farmhouse in Castell d'Aro (Girona) is converted into the Mariápolis Loreto Centre. The Mariápolis Luminosa Centre is also opened in Las Matas (Madrid).
Chiara visits Santiago de Compostela during the IV World Youth Day.
On her second visit to Spain, Chiara challenges us to build fraternity between peoples and cultures, promoting unity in diversity. In Las Matas (Madrid), she promotes the creation of a citadel to spread the charism of unity.
The Focolare in Spain are committed both in the ecclesial and social spheres, through various movements and associations. In 2024, our publishing houses in Spain merged to give life to the LAR magazine, reflecting the charism of unity that inspires us.
