01-03-2007 - Traces, n. 3 Fr. Giussani A Living Memory On the occasion of the second anniversary of Fr. Giussani’s death, Masses were offered for him throughout the world. Presented here, excerpts from the many homilies preached by bishops and cardinals in various parts of the world A Passionate Love for Christ and for the Church by Dionigi Tettamanzi, Cardinal Archbishop of Milan Dear brothers and sisters, it comes spontaneously to me to express gratitude for the missionary passion that characterizes you, not only in the very diverse ambits of life–in order that God not remain excluded from public life and culture–but also and in varied ways in the parish communities of our diocese, and at the same time to ask that the more and more urgent need for mission in the present social and ecclesial context may reinforce, and therefore make more credible and effective, the communion between all believers in Christ and all Church realities, “so that the world may believe” (Jn 17:21). I conclude with some invitations. First: recalling in particular the initial part of the Movement’s history, be ready to channel and intensify–re-living, as it were–Fr. Giussani’s passion for education of the youth. In this great responsibility take inspiration from Benedict XVI’s words to the Diocesan Assistants to Catholic Action, at the end of the General Audience on Wednesday, February 8th: “Dear friends, before a worrisome ‘emergency in education,’ you are called to communicate the faith to the new generations, fostering the encounter with Christ for many youngsters. Never tire of reminding them–it might be difficult, but it is very necessary, and wonderful, too–that only the Gospel can fully satisfy the expectations of man’s heart and create a true humanism.” Second invitation: In a recent meeting with some priests involved in Communion and Liberation, I was very interested to hear them recount words and moments of encounter with Fr. Giussani–words and actions that had the power and enchantment of a decisive change in their own personal experience, dedicated to Christ, to the Church and to mankind. I said to myself, “These are precious fragments of a ‘history’ that are worth communicating to those who have not had the grace and the joy of such a direct, intense and personal encounter. In this way, too, the charism that the Spirit gave the founder keeps its freshness and its power, and goes on enriching the Church’s life and mission as time unfolds. Finally, a wish: While I cherish vividly and with affection the memory of the meeting I had with the Pope, the Successor of Peter, on the occasion of the recent Ad Limina Visit, I pray the Lord that you all prepare with spiritual intensity for the audience that Benedict XVI will grant to the whole Movement on March 24th, for the 25th anniversary of the pontifical recognition of the Fraternity, and that this event be truly fruitful. I wish wholeheartedly that the Pope’s authoritative word, paternal affection, apostolic ministry and grace may make you grow in love for Christ and in the service of His Church in the daily journey of holiness and Gospel witness in society, always caressed and strengthened by the presence of Mary, the Virgin Mother.