… was born in Trent, Italy, in 1920.  At 23 years of age, together with a small group of friends, she began an experience of rediscovery of the Gospel, resulting in an ever growing Movement.  Its goal became a world living in unity, and its spirituality has helped dismantle centuries-old prejudices.  Today its members and friends are Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, as well as thousands of people who profess no particular religion.

Miss Lubich has received numerous awards and recognition.  Recent ones include:
 

• Human Rights: The 1998 European Human Rights Prize awarded by the Council of Europe. The “Cruzeiro do Sul” (Southern Cross): the highest recognition of the  Nation to a non-Brazilian for “her work in favor of  the less fortunate class” (Oct’98).
• Peace and Ecumenism: The 1996 UNESCO Prize for Peace Education; the “Gold Cross of St. Augustine of Canterbury” from Dr. George Carey, Primate of the Church of England (Nov’96); the Byzantine Cross from the Ecumenical Patriarchs Bartholomew I (Istanbul 1995) and Dimitrios I (1984).
• Communications: Honorary doctorate in “Social Communications” from the St. John University of Bangkok, Thailand (Jan’97)
• Culture: Honorary doctorates in  “Literature-Psychology” from the University of Malta (Feb’99), and in “Economy” from the Sacred Heart Catholic University of Milan (Jan’99).  Honorary doctorates in “Sacred Theology” from the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines (Jan’97), and from the Fu Jen University of Taipei, Taiwan (Jan’97).  Honorary doctorate in “Social Sciences” from the Catholic University of Lublin, Poland (1996).  The “UELCI Author of the Year Prize” in Milan, Italy (1995).
• Interreligious Dialogue: Honorary doctorate in “Humane Letters” from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn (May’97). “Civilization of Love Prize” in Rieti, Italy, for her prophetic commitment in promoting interreligious dialogue (1996).  “Templeton Prize” for the progress of religion (1977).

• Started in 1943 in Trent, Italy, and is 4 million strong in 182 countries.
• Unity is the word which summarizes the goal of the Focolare.  Unity at all levels: in the family, in the professional world, among generations, among people of various religions, cultures and nations.  This is accomplished by putting into practice the principle of evangelical love in everyday life, and by accepting every person as part of one family under a common Father. 
• The Focolare carries on social, economic, and cultural activities and projects in various countries.  Furthermore, it founded:
• 20 model towns called “Mariapolis” on all five continents.  Witness is given there to the fact that people from different nations and races can live in harmony and unity.
• 27 “New City” publishing houses in 26 countries: they print over 300 books annually, and publish the monthly magazine “Living City,” which has 40 editions in 24 languages.
• the Economy of Sharing pilot project.  Its economic and social guidelines make two worlds work together that have been difficult to reconcile: economics and solidarity.  The project, launched in 1991, has taken root in many countries: today there are 500 businesses which follow its guidelines.