MOVEMENT FOR A BETTER WORLD

An international movement to infuse in individuals and groups the spirit of mutual charity and unity that provides the basis for the social presence of Jesus: "For where two or three are gathered together for my sake, there am I in the midst of them" (Mt 18.20). The movement was inaugurated by Pius XII. In a radio message Feb. 10, 1952, Pope Pius called himself the "herald of a better world willed by God" and asked for a renewal of the structures of society [Dal Nostro cuore Acta Apostolicae Sedis 44 (1952) 158–162]. The founder and first international director, Riccardo Lombardi, SJ, of Rocca di Papa, Italy, answered the plea. Since 1952, through Father Lombardi's initiative, promoting groups of the movement have been established on every continent. The promoting group consists of specially trained clergy, religious and laity who strive to promote international collaboration and the quest for the common good and peace in the strife-torn world. To this end, the movement works closely with other international organizations at all levels, including the United Nations. Within parishes, the movement seeks to promote renewal of parish life, and a deeper awareness of and consequence sense of responsibility and commitment for reaching out to others.

Bibliography: r. lombardi, Towards a New World (New York 1958); Esercitazioni per un mondo Migliore (Rome 1958), Eng. in prep., outline and format of the Better World Retreats; The Salvation of the Unbeliever, tr. d. m. white (Westminster, Md.1956); Rifare il mondo (2d ed. Rocca di Papa 1959); Orientamenti fondamentali (11th ed. Rome 1957); La dottrina marxista: esposizione e discussione (3d ed. Rome 1956); La storia e il suo protagonista (3d ed. Rome 1947).

[r. l. bennett/

p. m. hartigan/eds.]