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Communion & Liberation leader makes Colorado stop
By John Gleason
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Communion & Liberation |
The visit was part of a nine-city tour of communities in the country, according to David Hazen, Nativity’s director of administrative services.
“Father Carrón wanted to make an American trip for some time,” Hazen said. “And he wanted to include a good cross-section of the country; we were lucky enough to be his only Colorado stop on the itinerary.”
One reason Nativity was selected is that the parish is under the pastoral care of the Fraternity of St. Charles Borromeo, which can trace its creation to Msgr. Luigi Giussani, founder of Communion and Liberation. Nativity pastor, Father Michael Carvill, F.S.C.B., is a good friend of Father Carrón and was excited that he was able to make an appearance and speak about this renewal organization.
“Here you have this movement founded in the 1950s with a handful of high school students,” Father Carvill said. “The movement grows, gathers more people, many of whom are called to the priesthood within that charism. And from that, the Fraternity of St. Charles Borromeo was born.”
Established in 1954 in Italy by Msgr. Giussani, the mission of Communion and Liberation aims to educate its members in Christian maturity and to collaborate in the Church’s mission in contemporary life. Father Carrón was selected to lead the movement after Msgr. Giussani’s death in 2005.
Today, the movement is active in 70 countries around the world. The movement’s website boasts that there is no type of membership card, only the free participation of persons. The basic instrument for the formation of adherents is weekly catechesis called School of Community, which often takes place in private homes.
Father Carvill, in speaking of the movement’s mission, said the phrase “Christian maturity” means getting people involved with their faith.
“When we say, ‘education to full maturity’ we mean simply to bring people into full participation in the life of the Church,” he said.
Hazen said that of the 250 people who attended Father Carrón’s talk, a majority were members of Communion and Liberation. He described the event as “compelling.”
“What struck me was how grounded and down to earth Father Carrón is,” he said. “He speaks of his encounter with Christ and hopes that everyone can find the same experience.
“You’re filled with a sense of urgency,” he continued, “like you’re afraid to stop listening for fear that you’ll miss something.”
Father Carvill said that anyone who would like more information about Communion and Liberation can call Nativity at 303-469-5171. (Information is also available online at www.clonline.org.)
“The movement has groups that meet regularly in Boulder, Broomfield, Fort Collins and Littleton,” Father Carvill said. “And organizers are hoping to start a group in Denver this fall.”
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