CLC: “The newness of God”, national conference in Rimini

The 50th national conference of the Christian Life Communities (CLC) in Italy opens on 30 April in Rimini. The theme for this edition is: “‘See, I am doing something new; now it springs forth – do you not perceive it?’ (Isaiah 43:19). CLC in the face of God’s newness.”

“We want to reinterpret our charism,” explains Fr Massimo Nevola, national assistant of CLC, “in light of God’s action at work in history and the urgent needs in the spiritual and social spheres.” About 300 participants from the 42 communities in Italy are expected.

The three-day event includes tomorrow a focus on “The journey of the Church, the journey of CLC” with Fr Giacomo Costa SJ, Special Secretary of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops; Giuseppe Notarstefano, president of Catholic Action; and Cecilia Martinez, member of the CLC World Executive Committee. In the afternoon, testimonies and reflections on “a disarmed and disarming peace” will feature Simone Tropea, journalist; Fr Massimo Nevola and Maddalena Cogorno, an expert in international criminal law.

Group work sessions are planned to outline apostolic and programmatic guidelines for the next three years. The meeting will also elect the Executive Committee for 2026–2029. Fr Ronny Alessio, the EUM Provincial, will be present on 2 May and will conclude the meeting on 3 May by presiding over the Eucharistic celebration at the Tempio Malatestiano.