I might not have time to do my own post in Fr. Giussani's honor today, so below I am copying what my friend Sharon posted on her blog, Clairity Daily. Make sure to check out the short video in Fr. Giussani's honor.
UPDATE: Check out Deacon Scott Dodge's tribute, too: Don Giussani, pray for us
Fr. Giussani's Ongoing Friendship
Today is the fourth anniversary of Msgr. Luigi Giussani death, founder of the Catholic movement I belong to, Communion and Liberation . See a brief video on his life here.
I never met Fr. Giussani personally, but his charism and the community he founded has defined my life, particularly over the last decade. The exercise of charity, which is first forgiveness, with the rigor of that good and narrow way, of continual prayer and offering and recognition, holds all the circumstances together in a way that defies all pessimism.
And I am grateful for a particular grace granted for our family. I think of those ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, and only one came back to give thanks. It's hard to sympathize at first, but then they were human like us. Many of our sufferings are secret, or we would prefer them to be so. Those ten, shunned by family and society, must have been too glad to be suddenly delivered and given their lives back. They would naturally have preferred to get on with their business and would not readily return to the scene of their shame to offer humble gratitude. At least most did not, though one of them did.
The summer after Fr. Giussani's death, my husband and I and two friends went to Italy and had the privilege to visit his grave. We had a particular and urgent request, and we four prayed for that intention. Even if that ongoing need requires more knocking and begging, a significant intervention occurred that may well have saved the life of a dear one.
The friendship of the saints is a reason for joy and comfort.
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