What is CL
Communion and Liberation began in Italy in 1954 when Msgr. Luigi Giussani established a Christian presence in Berchet high school in Milan with a group called Gioventù Studentesca (Student Youth), GS for short.
The current name of the movement, Communion and Liberation (CL), appeared for the first time in 1969. It synthesizes the conviction that the Christian event, lived in communion, is the foundation of the authentic liberation of man. Communion and Liberation is present today in about seventy countries throughout the world. There is no type of membership card, but only the free participation of persons. The basic instrument for the formation of adherents is weekly catechesis, called “School of Community.” The official magazine of the Movement is the international monthly, Traces – Litterae Communionis
The following documents describe the life, educational method and the fundamental gestures in the experience in CL life
Also on this page: Related Links | Readings | Cultural Initiatives
- About Msgr. Luigi Giussani
Founder biography
- Photos from the US and the world*
Moments in the life of the Movement
*international photos page opens in new window
- Msgr. Giussani’s letter to John Paul II, January 26, 2004
- Pope John Paul II’s letter to Msgr. Giussani, February 22, 2004
- Pope Benedict XVI's Audience for Communion and Liberation, March 24, 2007
- Pope John Paul II’s letter to Msgr. Giussani, February 11, 2002
- Msgr. Giussani’s letter to the Fraternity, February 22, 2002
- Reactions to the Pope's letter; Homilies from Masses said in celebration
- When We Gather Together, Why Do We Do So? To Free Ourselves from Evil. The One who Frees us is Christ
Msgr. Giussani’s letter to the Fraternity following the annual pilgrimage to Loreto. June 22, 2003
- Charism and Mandate
Msgr. Giussani’s testimony as presented at the Pontifical Council for the Laity’s Seminar, “Ecclesiastical movements and the new communities in the pastoral care of the Bishops”, June 18, 1998
- Recognizing Christ, 1994
Text of a talk by Msgr. Giussani to university students.
- How a Movement is Born, 1989
Notes from a talk by Msgr. Giussani at the international meeting of Communion and Liberation leaders - ALL READINGS

















