Our History
THE ROOTS
The Cooperativa Cattolico-Democratica di Cultura (CCDC) was founded in Brescia (Lombardy) by notarial deed on 27 April 1976, on the initiative of men and women gathered around the prominent figure of Matteo Perrini, professor of philosophy, Dean of various high schools, a leading figure in the Italian catholic-democratic culture, not only in Brescia and Lombardy. Within the BoD appointed in 1980, seven members out eleven were under 25 years age, mostly university students who had prof. Perrini as a teacher and witness of life. The CCDC assumes in the articles of association the form of “limited liability cooperative company” and quickly gathers many members.
If we had to indicate in a nutshell the spirit, the profound inspiration of our actions in the cultural sphere, here are the fundamental texts that we love to remind ourselves and those who have followed us on our journey. The first is taken from the Apology of Socrates, 38a: “A life without the examination of the pros and cons is not worthy for man to be lived“. The second is from St. Peter, First Letter 3:14-16: “Do not be afraid or troubled. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you. However, let this be done with gentleness, with respect and with an upright conscience.” The third belongs to St. Ambrose and is cited forty-four times in the work of Thomas Aquinas: “A truth, by whomever it is made known to us, always comes from the Holy Spirit.”
FIRST STEPS & OPERATING MODEL
The Cooperative begin its activity in 1976 in a political, cultural and religious context of Italy in many ways dramatic. These were the years of the explosion of the barbarities of terrorism, of the sclerosis of the political system and, within the Catholic world, of the travails of the post-Council period. In this climate of disorientation and surrender to the myths of ideologies, CCDC declares that it wants to act with its own, fully independent style and indicates the aims to which it inspires its action and loyal confrontation with others, coherently with its own statute: cooperation, Christian inspiration, democracy as a mandatory form of coexistence without alternatives, the duty to overcome the darkening of consciences with the circulation of a culture of free confrontation, which has its roots in humanism. The Christian inspiration is clearly affirmed, in close connection with the clear rejection of every form of fundamentalism, combining spiritual deepening and ecumenical anxiety, the cultural tradition of Europe. At the same time the open witness of moral and political faith in democracy, in the construction of an open society, makes CCDC always free from any dogmatism or political fanaticism, because democracy needs in essence men capable of critical sense and rectitude.
The Cooperative become immediately a meeting place for people with a strong desire to reflect on the fundamental coordinates of personal existence and social life, offering to the province of Brescia the opportunity to meet prominent personalities of culture, sciences and arts, witnesses of the time of extraordinary value. In this spirit, CCDC has always been extraneous to any affiliation, both as regards to the political world and with respect to secular and ecclesial movements. A connotation that makes it an original experience in the Italian cultural scene; precisely because of this freedom, the Cooperative has been able to develop its activity in full autonomy from the beginning, thanks exclusively to the generous attitude of members and directors who over time ensure the continuity of action and the quality of initiatives.
CCDC TODAY
During 2026, CCDC turns 50 years of activities! Compared to the starting point of 1976 many situations have changed, the interlocutors within the society and the institutions shifted as well. In different contexts, however, CCDC has been able to keep faith with the principles for which it arose, with a constant and multiform presence, ensuring a fruitful dialogue with the Town and the Province. Citizens continue to understand this peculiar attitude, continuing to participate in large numbers in our initiatives. With 50 years of activity, over 1,200 cultural meetings, close to 1.000 speakers (including various Nobel Prizes) and witnesses, CCDC is today one of the most long-lived and respected cultural realities of Brescia. Thanks to its qualitative activity, it is a cultural entity very well-known also at national level.
We continue hosting speakers and witnesses of the highest level around crucial issues as: peace and human rights; geo-politics; dialogue between science and faith; philosophy and literature; social, economic and environmental challenges of our time; the European construction.
The activity of the CCDC is documented within this website, which contains the history of all the initiatives promoted, 500 texts of the conferences hosted, hundreds of audio-video recordings, the extensive press review, 42 agile volumes published.
HOW TO JOIN
Why
Being a member of the CCDC gives the right to receive information on the activities and events, offers the opportunity to participate every three years in the elections of the corporate bodies and every year in the assembly of members. The rights and duties of members are better detailed in the Articles of Association.
Where and How
It is sufficient to pay one yearly membership fee equal to Euro 30.00 (Ordinary Member) or Euro 15.00 (students). Those who wish to support the activity of the Cooperative, which lives on free donations can of course contribute with higher amounts or separate donations.
The payment of the membership fees is made by bank transfer to the current account Banca Intesa Sanpaolo in the name of the Cooperativa Cattolico-democratica di Cultura.
IBAN Code: IT39E03069112551000 00001285
At the same time, the application form must be completed (see below) and sent in original to the headquarters of the Cooperative (via XX Settembre n.72, 25121 Brescia – Italy). Membership is subject to approval by the Board of Directors of the Cooperative.