Communion and Liberation

Communion and Liberation

Communion and Liberation (CL) is an international Catholic movement founded in 1954 by Luigi Giussani, a priest from Italy. The movement is recognized for its emphasis on the personal encounter with Jesus Christ as the foundation of a meaningful life and the source of true freedom.

History

The origins of Communion and Liberation can be traced back to the early 1950s when Luigi Giussani began teaching religion at the Berchet High School in Milan. Giussani was concerned about the secularization of society and the lack of engagement with the Christian faith among young people. In response, he developed a method of education that focused on the encounter with Christ as a transformative experience.

The movement officially began in 1954 under the name "Gioventù Studentesca" (Student Youth), and it quickly spread among students in Milan. In 1969, the movement adopted the name "Communion and Liberation" to reflect its broader mission of fostering a community of believers who live out their faith in all aspects of life.

Philosophy and Mission

Communion and Liberation is based on the belief that Christianity is not merely a set of doctrines or moral teachings, but a living encounter with Christ that transforms the individual and the world. The movement emphasizes the importance of community, education, and cultural engagement as means of living out this encounter.

The movement's mission is encapsulated in its name:

• Communion refers to the unity and fellowship among believers, rooted in the shared experience of Christ.
• Liberation signifies the freedom that comes from living in accordance with the truth of the Gospel.

Activities

Communion and Liberation organizes a variety of activities to promote its mission, including:

• School of Community: A weekly meeting where members reflect on texts by Giussani and other spiritual writings.
• Cultural Events: Conferences, exhibitions, and public discussions on topics related to faith, culture, and society.
• Charitable Works: Initiatives to serve the poor and marginalized, inspired by the Christian call to love one's neighbor.

Global Presence

Communion and Liberation has a significant presence in many countries around the world. It is particularly active in Italy, Spain, Brazil, and the United States. The movement is known for its annual event, the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples, held in Rimini, Italy, which attracts thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds.

Relationship with the Catholic Church

Communion and Liberation is recognized by the Catholic Church as a lay ecclesial movement. It operates under the guidance of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and maintains a close relationship with the Holy See. The movement has been praised by several popes, including Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, for its commitment to evangelization and its contribution to the renewal of the Church.

Criticisms and Controversies

Like many religious movements, Communion and Liberation has faced criticism and controversy. Some critics have accused the movement of being overly hierarchical and insular. Others have raised concerns about its influence in political and economic spheres, particularly in Italy. The movement's leaders have responded by emphasizing their commitment to transparency and dialogue.

Notable Figures

• Luigi Giussani: Founder of Communion and Liberation, whose writings and teachings continue to inspire the movement.
• Julián Carrón: A Spanish priest who succeeded Giussani as the leader of the movement.

Further Reading

• Giussani, Luigi. The Religious Sense. McGill-Queen's University Press, 1997.
• Carrón, Julián. Disarming Beauty: Essays on Faith, Truth, and Freedom. University of Notre Dame Press, 2017.

External Links

• Official website of Communion and Liberation