There are moments of grace. Advent, which reveals to us God's longing to enter fully into humanity, and the long preparation for a pilgrimage now drawing near, gave us in Rome an intense moment of Faith and Light.
Two hundred fifty of us gathered that Sunday at Villa Pacis on Monte Mario.
It was beautiful. Of the three Faith and Light groups in Rome, one had held its meeting on Saturday; the other two came together on Sunday. Children and adults answered the call, mingling together, supporting one another, happy in the welcome that everyone knew how to give.
There was a gathering for parents with Father Roberti, who had come from Belgium, ready to share all his joy in living the spirit of Faith and Light together. Father Michel celebrated Mass.
We shared a meal. A meal where everyone brought something of their own, creating a real multiplication of loaves. How wonderful it was to eat all together.
In the afternoon the young people, in turn, met with Father Roberti while the parents looked after the smallest children. All the young people were there, aware that they had to create this gathering together. God was watching. From Monica's lips, at last, came the essential question: "Jesus, who is he?"
This is the fundamental point of every search, every Faith and Light encounter.
The answer did not need to be spoken. We looked at each other. We smiled. Jesus was there, in our midst, so wonderfully present in those who, through their handicaps, reveal to us his love—a love that needs us.
- Father Roberti, 1975
