A milestone event took place at St Patrick’s Church, Fremantle, as the Focolare Movement, also known as the Work of Mary, marked its 50th anniversary in Western Australia.
The Mass, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton and concelebrant Fr Giancarlo Iollo OMI, saw around 80 attendees gathering to honour the half-century of Focolare’s impact on local communities.
Since its introduction to WA in 1974, the Focolare Movement has been rooted in family involvement and fostering unity across faith communities.
The movement originally commenced in WA at City Beach Parish, where founders Brian and Denise Mills hosted the first gatherings after their inspiring experience at the 1973 National Eucharistic Congress in Melbourne.
From humble beginnings, the gatherings expanded quickly, with families like the Robbins, Shepherd, and Greives families playing vital roles in building the movement’s foundation.
A defining feature of the Focolare community has been its family-centered approach.
Annual gatherings, including the well-loved Mariapolis retreats, brought families together for community bonding and spiritual growth.
During the 1970s and 1980s, these retreats, often held at Donnelly River, became cherished times for families to reconnect with one another and with their faith.
In 1979, the Women’s Focolare was established, opening up dedicated spaces for women who committed themselves to a life of service to God.
Since then, the movement’s presence has spread across Perth and regional areas, with members from Albany to Bunbury sharing experiences through “Word of Life” groups and living out the movement’s Charism of Unity.
The Men’s Focolare followed a few years later, remaining active until 2008.
These groups often formed parish communities, including Italian and Chinese-speaking circles, where members could express themselves in their native languages.
The movement’s outreach has extended well beyond Perth’s Catholic community.
Through ecumenical relationships and initiatives, Focolare developed connections with Anglican parishes across WA and played an active role in the WA Council of Churches and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Notable Anglican leaders, including Fr Roy Poole, Fr John Simpson, Fr Colin Holden, and Bishop David Murray, have collaborated with the movement, embodying Focolare’s emphasis on Christian unity.
The next generation, or “New Generation” (Gen), has always played a key role in the Focolare community.
With events such as Gen Camps, Gen Fest, Run for Unity, and Time Out for Peace, young people have been active in both Focolare’s internal community life and broader social outreach efforts.
Similarly, the New Families group offers a support network for parents to foster unity within family life and provide service to others.
In addition to fostering local connections, Focolare members have supported communities in East Timor, Kiribati, New Caledonia, and other regions, including recent efforts to assist Syrian refugees in WA.
The movement’s Oceania base in Melbourne also allows WA members to engage in retreats and global events, often connecting with Focolare’s leadership center in Rome.
Reflecting on the day’s significance, one acolyte shared their pride in serving alongside Bishop Sproxton and Father Giancarlo: “Being part of this 50th anniversary, celebrating the shared journey with both men and women around the altar, was deeply meaningful. It felt like a true reflection of the unity Focolare stands for.”
This 50-year celebration underscored Focolare’s ongoing commitment to unity, service, and outreach, values that continue to resonate with people of all ages.
Looking forward, the movement remains dedicated to fostering relationships that bridge divides and cultivate a spirit of unity across diverse communities in Western Australia and beyond.