2022 marks the centenary of the birth of the Servant of God Fr. Luigi Giussani (1922-2005). This anniversary offers the opportunity to deepen and make known the novelty that he continues to bring into the lives of many, the "vibration" of faith that he transmitted with his proposal, for the good of the Church and of society.

"How to look at this anniversary? We are not interested in this celebration if not for an essential reason: to witness what Fr. Giussani has generated in us," said Julián Carrón at 2021 Fraternity Exercises of CL, presenting the work begun in view of the anniversary. "What does Fr. Giussani have to do with the many challenges we face? What does his paternity generate today?" Starting from these questions, a journey has begun in view of initiatives and projects that are already underway, to which other proposals will be added:

International Academic Call. The Scientific Committee for the Centenary of Luigi Giussani's birth has put forward an academic call for papers to invite scholars from all over the world to write an essay on Giussani's thought, within three main thematic areas: theological-religious, philosophical-anthropological, and educational-pedagogical. The Faculty of Theology of the University of Lugano, after organizing the Conference "Luigi Giussani: the theological path and ecumenical openness" in December 2017, has assumed the role of international academic centre to promote the call. The proposals received are currently being evaluated by the Scientific Committee, in view of the publication of the volumes of essays and possible further initiatives.

Awards. The Fraternity of CL will establish an International Master's Degree Award and a Doctoral Degree Award for theses on Fr. Giussani, in order to promote knowledge of his person and work. The awards are reserved to graduates from all over the world who have obtained a master's degree or doctoral degree at an Italian or foreign university. Details will be announced at a later date.

Virtual Exhibition. Proposed and curated by Monica Maggioni and Dario Curatolo, the project aims to contribute to knowledge of Fr. Giussani in a direct, simple and rich way. The digital exhibition will be multilingual, accessible and shareable with individuals and small groups all over the world. The intention is also for a simple, physical display in several languages, which can be used at meetings and initiatives of cultural and community centers.

www.clonline.org. The section dedicated to Fr. Giussani will be enriched with new content. It will accompany the path of the centennial and will publish testimonies and contributions.

Biography. In spring 2022, a portrait of Fr. Giussani's life will be published, edited by the Spanish journalist Fernando De Haro.


How can I contribute?

"The year 2022 is an occasion to witness who Fr. Giussani is today and Who has seized us by encountering him. This is why we are asking everyone for their contribution," Carrón continued at the Exercises. In view of the exhibition and online communication, we propose a concrete form for participation in the centennial: it is possible for you to send your own testimony, individual or collective (texts, photos with short captions, audio or audio-video), answering this simple question: Today, who is Father Giussani for you?

The website is online with all the details and technical instructions on how to send your contribution, from June 7 until September 15.

Those who wish to plan events and initiatives are invited to contact the Centenary Secretary team for information and to coordinate.

For information, advice and suggestions: centenario@comunioneliberazione.org