An American Recalls How Luigi Giussani’s Movement Saved His Life and More

American Jonathan Fields credits Luigi Giussani’s movement, Communion and Liberation, with saving his life and providing him with the friendship of Christ. Fields, who converted to Catholicism in his 20s, struggled with his faith and faced a dark period in his life before finding solace in the community of Communion and Liberation.

Now 67, Fields reflects on how the charism of Communion and Liberation helped him through his darkest times, providing him with a supportive group of friends who emphasized the friendship of Christ. The movement, one of the “new movements” in the Catholic Church, focuses on spiritual growth and community building.

Today, May 9, marks the beginning of the process that could lead to the canonization of Luigi Giussani, the founder of Communion and Liberation. Archbishop Mario Delpini will preside over the first public session of the testimonial phase of the cause of beatification and canonization of Giussani at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan, Italy.

Fields, who is not scheduled to testify in Milan, recalls the impact Giussani had on his life, providing him with a sense of “friendship in Christ.” Through the movement, Fields was able to rebuild his life, work, and relationships, eventually getting married and seeing two of his children join the community.

Giussani’s ability to convey meaning and address existentialism and nihilism resonated with Fields, who remembers the priest’s profound reading of T.S. Eliot and the personal attention he received during their interactions. Fields describes Giussani as a “great pedagogue” who had a genuine interest in getting to know him on a personal level.

As the canonization process moves forward, Fields sees it as a confirmation that the path he has chosen within the Church is the right one. The recognition of Giussani’s sanctity is not only significant for the members of Communion and Liberation but also for the entire Church, reaffirming the importance of spiritual growth and community in the lives of believers.