Anniversary of the Death of Father Giussani

"In the simplicity of my heart I have gladly given you everything." -Ambrosian Liturgy

A year ago today Monsignor Luigi Giussani, founder of Communion and Liberation, died in his home in Milan at the age of 82. Being! Or Nothingness has a beautiful post about his experience at the funeral as well as a reflection on his encounter with Fr Giussani's charism. Actually, his blog overall is really well-done and provoking from a unique point of view. I recommend it.

Though I have only encountered Don Giussani in his writings and through those who have been deeply shaped by his passionate love for Christ and the man's destiny in Him, I nevertheless have found something truly exceptional yet completely human in his response to the desires of his heart. His life, to me, truly embodies Our Lord's words when, after letting the children come to Him, said, "Amen I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter into it." (Luke 18:16-17) He is not childish and sentimental like some charismatics I've known growing up, but he truly understands the context of this verse, that we must be simple in front of the desire that we truly have for the Infinite that God Himself placed there in our hearts.

Indeed, the eighth psalm also illustrates Fr Giussani's charism with the question, "What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?" (Ps 8:5) What does it mean to be human? Why did You make us, Lord, us humans who have caused so much evil in this world? What did You see in us that You would become one of us in order to bring us back to You?

I cannot stress how important Fr Giussani and my friends in the movement of Communion and Liberation have been to me in my first year and a half of college. I am constantly called back to be myself, constantly called back to live my life really, truly, and fully, constantly called back to the desire to "have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

In any case, I am not as erudite as Don Gius, so check out either of these two articles he wrote to understand more about him.

Moved by the Infinite
Recognizing Christ