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  • What is the Focolare

    Trent, Italy in 1943

    Chiara Lubich, 23, together with a small group of friends, realized that God is the only ideal worth living for and as a result they focused their lives on the Gospel. Many others followed. Their goal became one of striving twards the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer to the Father: "May they all be one" (Jn 17:21). A spirituality of unity came to life and gave rise to a movement of spiritual and social renewal.

About Us

Guiding Principles

Each business commits to bringing Gospel values to their day-to-day decisions. This includes, for instance, ethical relationships with the government and with labor unions, concern for consumer safety and respect for the environment.

Communion with Employees

Particular attention is paid to employees health, well-being, and development. Everyone involved is given equal consideration within their functions in the organization. A principle of brotherhood is in place.

Unexpected Providence

A new element often appears in many of the businesses--God's loving intervention, which often arrives in the form of unexpected clients, revenue or ideas for new products.

... An Idea that no one among us would be in need

When The Focolare's founder, Chiara Lubich, visited the community in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1991, she was touched by the ardent desire of many to have a more effective impact in addressing the social problems of their country. As Lubich reflected with them, they began to see new possibilities.

... The Inspiration to unite worker, owner, work and the world

Why not start businesses --normal, for-profit businesses--which could employ and create profits? These profits could be divided into three parts: for aid for the poor, for education and formation that could help foster a culture of giving, and for the development of the businesses themselves.

... The Economy of Communion is born.

From this project's inception, a new way of doing business developed, a way through unity, toward which the future could tend--a way of Communion in Freedom.

The Economy of Communion is currently made up of almost 800 businesses worldwide. Each follows EoC guidelines, including profit sharing to help those in need and to foster structures and training programs that promote a culture of giving. The International Economy of Communion website provides further details.

 

Information on this page taken from The Living City, Volume 46, No. 6, June 2007