A few years after the Maria Immacolata community was founded in Pantigliate in December 2007, we asked ourselves how to respond to a real need: some of the disabled people in our circle had little to do during the day, no activities to occupy their time.
We decided to create a space for entertainment and socializing—even if just for a few hours a week. The idea of a small creative workshop took shape. We parents and friends began gathering information about similar projects in our area and consulted with some professional staff to get ideas about what activities might work for our young people.
Gradually, the vision became reality. At first we used a room the parish priest offered us, twice a week for a couple of hours. We quickly saw how meaningful this initiative was, especially for Giovanni and Lorenzo. Not long after, we learned about Valentina, a young woman living with multiple sclerosis, and we invited her to join us. For a couple of years we ran the workshop in the parish, but eventually we moved to a municipal space that we use today on a loan arrangement.
What is this workshop really about? It's a wonderful chance to socialize, to spend time together in friendship and peace. We volunteers feel good too—both with each other and in serving the young people. We see them smiling, and that's enough for us! We hold small markets two or three times a year to sell what we've made: woven baskets, scented sachets, frames from recycled materials, decorations on wood, and whatever else our imagination comes up with.
Here's what some of us have to say:
Marisa: Coming here to the workshop is a beautiful experience for me. I spend two peaceful hours and I come eagerly.
Ugo: When I come here, I know I'm bringing relief to at least one family, and that matters to me. Even when my energy for the workshop is low, I find myself happy because I've done something I'm proud of. Following our young people means giving them dignity, moving beyond a purely productivity-focused way of thinking. That's the message we want to share through our association, "con il tuo passo" [at your own pace], of which this workshop is part.
Nini: I feel good here in the workshop. Being with the young people brings me peace. I feel useful.
Teresa: For me it's about service—bringing relief to families and dignity to the young people.
Sante: Being in the workshop means entering the world the way these young people live it—authentic and free. It's also recognizing their gifts: sharing in their joy, breathing in the peace they give you. The workshop is a celebration of life.
Carla: Coming here isn't always easy for me, but every time I find peace. It does me good to breathe in the simplicity and directness of these young people. They are real; they don't try to be anything other than themselves. That's a lesson for me.
Giovanni: I'm happy to come here. I feel good. I like doing everything—weaving the baskets, coloring, everything you ask me to do.
Lorenzo: I'm happy. I feel good with you all, especially with Ugo.
Carla Gaviraghi, 2016
