FOCOLARE MOVEMENT– SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL, PRETORIA
1. BACKGROUND
The Focolare Movement, or Work Of Mary, is an ecclesial movement born in the heart of the Catholic Church. It began in 1943 in Trent, Northern Italy during World War II. Amidst all the bombings and destruction, 23 year old Chiara Lubich, together with a group of young women, made the great discovery that GOD IS LOVE, an experience that radically changed their lives. They responded to God’s love by putting the words of the Gospel into practice: “love your neighbour as yourself” – “love your enemy” – “love one another as I have loved you.” When, together they read the Testament of Jesus, it became the programme of their lives: “May they all be one, as you, Father and I are one, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21). In practising the commandment of mutual love they became aware of the presence of Jesus in their midst as He had promised: “Where two or three are united in my name, there am I amongst them.” (Mt 18,20). A new communitarian spirituality was born where people go to God together.
The Focolare Movement wishes to contribute to the unity of families and communities, groups and peoples. It sees the world as one family, in a communion of diversities. A united world is not an impossible dream, but rather the goal of history, and at the same time, its driving force. The Movement tries to achieve this through dialogue at various levels that goes beyond ethnic and religious differences, through a new way of practising economy, and by establishing centres of spirituality which offer an experience of unity.
The movement is made up of persons of all ages, races, vocations, and now it is spread in over 180 nations. It is articulated in various branches and structures. Focolare means “hearth” or “fireplace” in Italian. It symbolises the coming together of people in a spirit of family to experience together the warmth and the light of God’s love.
The Focolare arrived in South Africa in 1981 and now has its main centres in Johannesburg and Taung in the North West Province along with local communities in Pretoria, Durban, Mafikeng, Tzaneen and other areas. It brings together people of all walks of life and vocations, young and old, single people and families, with the common desire to witness to the unity Jesus prayed for: “That all may be one.”
2. LEADERSHIP / COORDINATOR
Eunice Hlelesi
3. INVOLVEMENT OF FOCOLARE IN THE CHURCH
The main activity of Focolare is to animate a group of people who desire to put the Gospel into practise in their everyday lives. The group meets on a monthly basis to share experiences of living the Gospel so as to build up the unity of the group based on the words of Jesus: “Where two or three are united in my name there am I among them.” (Mt 18,20)
Through its experienced and qualified members Focolare facilitates workshops and retreats for all relevant groups (married couples, the youth etc.). A group of priests animated by the spirituality of the Focolare meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Cathedral. A group of seminarians from St John Vianney Seminary meet once a week to share experiences of living the spirituality of unity which is characteristic of the Focolare.
4. PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN
We strive to put into practice the Gospel in all areas of our lives, at work, at home, in church, wherever we find ourselves moment by moment as it gets presented to us by God. Thus we live the present moment with each neighbour we are with i.e. we share love, a smile, lend a happing hand as well as material gifts.
5. DAYS OF MEETINGS
The 3rd Sunday of every month after the 8:30 mass in the Cathedral