Mgr. Jan Thomas Limchua is de Adviseur en Zaakgelastigde van de Apostolische Nuntiatuur in het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden. We plaatsen hier de aantekeningen bij zijn homilie, in het Engels uitgesproken, in de eucharistieviering ter gelegenheid van don Giussani's 20e sterfdag en de 43e verjaardag van de pauselijke erkenning van de Fraterniteit van Gemeenschap en Bevrijding. De Nederlandse vertaling is bijgevoegd onderaan deze pagina.

Holy Mass for the 20th anniversary of the death of the Servant of God don Luigi Giussani and the 42nd anniversary of the Papal recognition of the Fraternity of CL

Sint Josephkerk, Leiden, Saturday 8 February 2025

Notes of the homily by Mgr. Jan Thomas Limchua, Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Contemplation
In Mark 6:30-34, Jesus invites His disciples to a rest that goes beyond mere physical recuperation, offering them a deeper spiritual encounter with God amidst their exhaustion. This rest is not about withdrawing from the world but about becoming more aware of God’s presence in everyday life. Jesus’ call to contemplation is a call to seek a deeper connection with the divine, to explore the fundamental questions of life, and to embrace the mystery of faith rather than rely on superficial answers. Contemplation is a practice that involves engaging with life’s deeper truths through silence, prayer, and reflection. It encourages believers to move beyond ritual and tradition, actively engaging with life’s mysteries. Through contemplation, faith transitions from routine into a dynamic, genuine quest for the divine, fulfilling humanity’s longing for truth, love, justice, and meaning in God’s presence.

Community as Liberation
Don Giussani challenges the modern idea of freedom as independence, suggesting instead that true freedom is found in belonging to a community that nurtures, challenges, and transforms individuals. This communal freedom aligns with the teaching in the Letter to the Hebrews, which urges believers to “do good and share what you have.” Giussani asserts that human beings have an innate desire for truth and meaning, desires that can only be fully satisfied in community. Through shared experiences, the Christian community helps individuals verify their encounter with God and discover their true identity as beloved children of God, called to live in communion with others. For Don Giussani, faith is not an individual pursuit but a communal journey, where believers seek truth together and encounter the living Christ in the relationships they build. The Church, then, is not just a set of rules—it is the body where Christ’s presence is real and transformative. In this shared communion, individuals experience true freedom, supported and challenged by one another, growing in faith and understanding.

Custodians of Charism
A charism, like that of the fraternity CL, is a communal grace, a gift meant to renew both the Church and the world, not a private possession. In this manner, custodians of a charism play a vital role in ensuring this gift remains alive, vibrant, and transformative. Custodians are living examples of the charism; their personal encounter with Christ is the means through which the charism is communicated to others. Their lives demonstrate the power of faith and help others experience this transformation in concrete ways. Custodians are also educators, guiding others into a personal relationship with Christ that reshapes their lives, emphasizing holistic formation—mind, heart, desires, and actions. The challenge for custodians is to ensure that the charism remains dynamic and does not become institutionalized or reduced to routine practices. Pope Francis stresses the importance of custodians remaining humble and open to the Holy Spirit, ensuring that the charism serves the broader mission of the Church and remains adaptable to meet the changing needs of the world. The charism should foster unity and contribute to the evangelizing mission, keeping the movement relevant and responsive to the world’s challenges.