A Look Inside the Life of Focolare Members

Ever wondered what it's like to live a life dedicated to unity and giving? Let's take a peek into the world of the Focolare Movement. This worldwide community, rooted in the Catholic Church, encourages its members to live simple lives, focusing on love and togetherness. They take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, choosing to live as a family rather than marrying. Clarita Joung, a member from California, thinks this lifestyle is liberating. "You're free from your own stuff, " she shared. She lives with three other women, all part of the Focolare Movement. They own nothing, only taking what they need. Donated clothes and a communal home are part of their daily life. Their goal? To live like Jesus and Mary did. "We live a culture of giving, not having, " said Loretta Rauschuber, one of Joung's housemates. They work regular jobs, with their earnings supporting those in need, like the Focolare house in war-torn Syria. In Harlem, New York, a group of men live together in a similar way. Michael Morse, raised Catholic, felt a calling to join Focolare. "I knew I wouldn't own much, but that's okay. It lets me dedicate myself to God's work, " he said. Even though it's hard at times, he's committed to this life for the long haul. The Focolare Movement was founded in the 1940s by Italian schoolteacher Chiara Lubich. It's now in over 180 countries, with followers from various faiths. They stress that it's not a cult and that members can leave if they want. It's a radical choice, they agree, but one that brings a sense of family and purpose.