Into The Wood

The art of crafting fine furniture takes on a deeper meaning.

- Monica B. Savellano

In this day and age, when words like “artisanal” and “handcrafted” are all the rage, the furniture makers of the Focolare Carpentry Training Center work quietly to create pieces that are not just beautiful and useful, but also meaningful beyond words. As the Gospel of St. John states, “If anyone is well off in worldly possessions and sees his brother in need but closes his heart to him, how can the love of God be remaining in him? Children, our love must be not just words, or mere talk, but something active and genuine.” It is this genuine love that inspired Italian focolarino Carlo Degasperi to take action 50 years ago by giving two young craftsmen renewed hope through building furniture. Through this act of love, the Focolare Carpentry Training Center and St. Joseph the Ca