I came on this pilgrimage with real joy. I felt good those days—my spirit was right for it. But two things didn't sit well with me.
The first happened after the papal audience, as we headed back to the bus. I got separated from my group. I was carrying the banner, so I thought they were behind me, but they'd passed ahead without my noticing in all the confusion. I stopped at a corner, waiting for the crowd to thin. I got agitated, frightened—panic took over. Finally they came looking for me. We found each other, and I calmed down. After that, I didn't wander off again. I stayed close.
The second thing: on the way home from the pilgrimage, I couldn't find my backpack. It was still at the hotel. Once I got home, I noticed things were missing. A friend who had to return to Assisi for work stopped by the hotel, picked it up, and brought it back. What a gift—everything was inside, just as I'd left it.
Even with those two small misadventures, I'd do it all again. I'm not complaining about anything. It all went well. And at my age, I don't know if I'll get another chance for a trip like this. I really wanted this pilgrimage—to receive a blessing from the Pope and hear his voice in person. I wanted to know what it feels like to stand in Saint Peter's Square.
I attended all the testimonies at the theater. My friend Gina and I always sat up front in the first rows so we could hear clearly, understand well. Listening to those stories, I saw myself in them. A few years ago I walked that path as Stefano's mother, and I understand what these parents are living through now. They need encouragement. They need support. They can't be left alone. In my time, so many things were unknown, didn't exist. Now it's all different—organized in new ways. My son Stefano taught me so much, and I've tried to share everything I learned with others. These are things you don't forget and can't forget. The name of the group I come from is "Stefano's Smile," to remember my son—always smiling, always cheerful.
So many friends in Faith and Light... I felt such a beautiful spirit, the kind only these young people know how to share.
I felt accompanied and cared for. Thank you.
