Have you heard of the Focolare movement?
It is well-known around the world, but not in the United States. It is a movement, now in every country and with millions of adherents, which is in the heart of the Church and has as its charism 'unity.'
The founder of this incredible movement is a woman named Chiara Lubich. This began through her in Trent, Italy during WWII.
Chiara Lubich is a Roman Catholic who writes and speaks (with great depth) of the most 'Catholic' aspects of our faith. In a seeming paradox, there are people from all different faiths who embrace this spirituality.
Pope John Paul II supports this movement so strongly that he has given to it, permanently, part of Castelgandolfo. He has met many times with Chiara Lubich and has visited the home of the Focolare Movement, which is in Italy.
Interestingly, Chiara Lubich is the first woman, ever, to speak at a Muslim mosque. She was invited by Imam W. D. Mohammed to speak at a mosque of the black Muslims in New York City about two years ago. He and many of these Muslim people are embracing this spirituality of unity and it is strengthening relations between Christians and Muslims. In my diocese, I have participated in meetings with Catholics, including our bishop, and our Muslim friends.
Here is a quote from Imam W. D. Mohammed given to members of the Focolare: "I wholeheartedly accept and embrace with you the idea of unity, mutual sharing, and love for one another. I think that it is as Islamic for me, as it is Christian...We have to be conditioned to have peace. God has given us the requirements that we have to meet for a life of faith in Him. And when we meet these conditions, we do have peace."
There are also Christians of many denominations, Jews, and even Hindus who are coming to mutual understanding through this movement.
The word 'focolare' means 'hearthside' in Italian and is the nickname given to this movement by the local people who, in the beginning, felt the warmth of the love and hospitality which came from the lives of the early members.
There is a website. My computer savvy is pretty poor, so I don't know how to make a link yet, but the address is www.focolare.org