The Church today features a variety of "new ecclesial movements," a term used to describe primarily lay communities as diverse as Sant'Egidio, the Neocatechumenate, Communion and Liberation, Schönstatt, L'Arche and the Focolare. (Some wrongly include Opus Dei in this group.) The movements enjoy a high level of visibility due to the large amount of support bestowed on them by John Paul II, who enlisted them in his quest to engage the world and transform it.

Since Catholic life in the U.S. mainly revolves around the vibrant structure of the parish, these movements (most of European origins) are often treated as a single phenomenon. Their appeal, however, above all lies in their individual charisms --- particular gifts of the Spirit --- which at their best contribute to the renewal and regeneration of the Catholic Church.

The Focolare Movement is poised in its own particular niche ("focolare" is Italian for hearth). Its founder, Chiara Lubich, who turned 87 in January, has lived unity, spoken of unity, and written about unity for more than 65 years. (Full disclosure: I've been a lifelong participant, since the age of four or so).

During World War II, when she was just 23, Lubich saw the horror and destruction of her birthplace in Trent, Italy. As everything she and her young friends held dear was annihilated --- loved ones, families, homes, careers, ambitions --- they envisioned a more focused and radical way to live their Christian faith. Seeking an ideal no bomb could destroy, they dedicated their lives to God. By flickering candlelight in the bomb shelters, they were enlightened by and pledged to live the Gospel words, especially Jesus' prayer, "May they all be one" (John 17:21).

Lubich's vision redirects Christian thought and experience in a way that is rooted in tradition, yet speaks to contemporary needs. She has received dozens of international awards, civic recognitions and honorary doctoral degrees, including one from The Catholic University of America.

A movement of 2.2 million in more than 180 countries, today the Focolare promotes unity in four ways: within the Church, with Christians of various denominations, with members of world faiths and with individuals of no specific religious affiliation. The movement impacts politics, communication, and even economics.

A good starting point for anyone interested in Focolare or its spirituality of unity has just been released: Lubich's "Essential Writings: Spirituality, Dialogue, Culture" (New City Press, 2007) which includes the founder's letters, talks, acceptance speeches and spiritual reflections.

"What the Holy Spirit, through Chiara and those who gathered around her, launched out of the fierce days of 1943 has borne amazing fruit," comments Baltimore's Cardinal William Keeler in the anthology's foreword.

"Essential Writings" features Lubich's recent ideas on contemporary politics, economics, the media, art, ecumenism, interreligious dialogue and culture.

A panel discussion on the book will be held April 21, 2 p.m. in USC's Davis Auditorium-Andrus Gerontology Center. The event will feature Dr. Michael Downey, Cardinal's Theologian, Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Imam Ronald El-Amin of the Moreno Valley Islamic Center; and Father Alexei Smith, who heads the archdiocese's Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Office. Dr. Michel Vandeleene, Rome-based theologian who worked closely with Lubich to edit the original Italian volume, will also be present at the event. The book launch and panel discussion are free and open to the public.

T. M. Hartmann is a writer-editor based in Santa Monica. For further information on the April 21 event, call (310) 670-6736 or (310) 470-8505.