Vatican City (AsiaNews) In a letter addressed to Fr Julian Carron, successor of Fr Luigi Giussani as head of 'Communion and Liberation', Pope Benedict XVI recalls the latter's "firm faithfulness to Christ" and his "never-ending efforts to pass on the richness of the evangelical message to all groups in society". Here is the Pope's message that was released today:
"On the occasion of the first anniversary of the death of the late lamented Fr Luigi Giussani, a father and teacher to so many young people to whom he indicated Christ as the centre of their lives, I join the entire 'Communion and Liberation' to thank the Lord for the gift of such a zealous pastor, who loved man because he loved Christ"
"With emotion I recall the solemn celebration of his funeral in Milan's Duomo, when I had a another opportunity to see the respect and appreciation that he, in the course of his fruitful life, was able to create around his person, his teaching and his apostolic work."
"As I said during the funeral service, the most striking things about Don Giussani were his unwavering faithfulness to Christ and his never-ending efforts to pass on the richness of the evangelical message to all groups in society."
"Now it is up to his spiritual followers to carry on in his footsteps, follow his teaching, and always remain in communion with the bishops and other Church bodies."
"To that end, I offer my prayers, calling on the Lord that Communion and Liberation may serve the cause of the Gospel with joy and continue the work begun by its venerated founder."
"It is with such sentiments and hope that on such an important occasion I ask that Heaven's gratitude and consolation come to you as Father Giussani's successor, to your associates and to the entire spiritual family that you lead. As a sign of special affection I impart on everyone a special Apostolic Blessing, gladly extending it to Fr Luigi Giussani's relatives and to all those who remember him.
From the Vatican, February 21, 2006