The Focolare Movement in Britain

A brief History

The first Focolare was opened in Liverpool in 1964.
The Movement developed steadily, and by the late 70s there were Focolare houses in London,
Liverpool, Leeds and Glasgow.
As well as local meetings and activities, the annual Mariapolis gatherings
helped people of all ages and backgrounds to keep in contact.

 

 

A magazine and publishing house, New City, was also established.

 

 

The ecumenism of the movement was fostered by regular journeys to Rome, and to Loppiano,
the Focolare's 'little town' near Florence.
It has been described as an 'ecumenism of life' complemented by the study of joint statements
(like those of ARCIC) agreed by theologians of the different churches.
The Movement works for the various Ecumenical initiatives of the Churches, and bodies like CTS in England, CYTUN in Wales, and ACTS in Scotland.

 

A remarkable year for the movement was 1977, when Chiara came to London to receive the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion.

 

There were 700 people in the Guidhall, and the vision of so many people united in some way
through a common Father inspired Chaira to say of London,
"They say that this is the most cynical city in the world,
yet it could become its most spiritual."

 

In 1986 many Christian leaders, leaders of other faith communities, and civic dignitaries were present at the
opening of the Centre for Unity at Welwyn Garden City. The Centre became a focus for the movement's activities in Britain.

 

Just like the 'little towns' in Loppiano, Switzerland, and Rome, the embryonic permanent Mariapolis of which the Centre is a part, is integrated within the local community. It runs schools of formation and has a particular vocation to foster ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. It is named after Bernard Pawley, a key figure in the Focolare's work for unity.