Luigi Giovanni Giussani was born on October 15, 1922, in Desio, a small town north of Milan, Italy. His father, Beniamino, was an artist and engraver, while his mother, Angelina Gelosa, worked in the textile industry. Raised in a family that valued both artistic expression and deep faith, Giussani developed a passion for literature and spirituality early in life. This dual influence shaped his intellectual pursuits and his commitment to exploring the relationship between faith and culture.

Ordained as a priest on May 26, 1945, Giussani initially embarked on an academic career, teaching theology at the Venegono Seminary. However, he soon recognized a growing disconnect between the Church and the youth of Italy. In response, he chose to leave his seminary position to teach religion in high school, aiming to engage students directly in discussions about faith and existence. This experience led him to found the Catholic lay movement Communion and Liberation (Comunione e Liberazione) in 1954, focusing on the idea that Christianity is a lived experience, an encounter with Christ that transforms all aspects of life.

Throughout his life, Giussani authored numerous works exploring the rational foundations of faith and the relevance of Christianity in contemporary society. His writings emphasized that faith is not merely a set of doctrines but a dynamic relationship with the divine that fulfills the deepest human desires. Giussani passed away on February 22, 2005, but his legacy endures through the continued global presence of Communion and Liberation, inspiring individuals to seek a personal and communal encounter with Christ in their daily lives.