Francesca Mancini
I spent two wonderful weeks here at Alfedena. Like others, I had new experiences—and even though we sometimes had to grit our teeth to face them, they helped us deeply. It will be so hard to forget them.
Maria Laura
At departure today, everyone had a lump in our throats and I felt such emptiness. But my heart was full of joy, thinking about starting another year, another experience, with the same spirit and with a smile much, much bigger than before.
I can say it in just these words: I am happy! And I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Marta Ferrini
As you know, I had to go into the hospital for tests. My constant worry was that Massimo would have to give up the vacation he'd been looking forward to—a vacation he deserved.
With more than brotherly spirit, you came to my aid. Because of you, Massimo had a peaceful, pleasant holiday—the most beautiful he'd ever had. And you gave me a peace of mind that helped me see through the darkness. Through you, I found the Light.
Francesca
It was a wonderful experience, both in terms of faith and in terms of vacation. On the faith side, Michel sustained us with words he spoke, especially during Mass, which we held almost always outdoors on an altar that Fabrizio Ferrazzoli and his friends had built from boards and pieces of tree trunks. On the vacation side, our daily chores—kitchen duty, garden work, and walks—filled our days with joy, in an atmosphere of great peace and brotherhood.
Certainly we had difficult moments when it came to bearing with one another, but we got through them by sleeping a bit more.
At the end of each week, we organized a sung vigil that went beautifully, and everyone took part.
When we left, we were all a little sad to say goodbye. But we carried away a big smile that, for me, held all the joy of those splendid days.
Roberto's Mother
We arrived at Alfedena, where Francesca's house—with a heart of gold—welcomed us for seven days. A calm atmosphere greeted us in this big family that is Fede e Luce, the same feeling I have at Lourdes. I saw my friends again with joy. My heart was full of emotion seeing the love with which they cared for the handicapped children, especially Roberto, the most difficult to work with.
The work was long and tiring for everyone, and time was short—seven days barely enough to see the changes that were beginning to show. The volunteers came in shifts without tiring, never resting, racing nobly with one another, each giving everything without holding back.
Only in the evening, once the little ones were in bed, did we gather by the fireplace in well-earned peace.
Roberto still remembers the camp at Alfedena, especially Father Michel and his famous "Okay!" We too remember those beautiful days together with deep affection.
Thérèse
I liked the camp very much with my friends, Francesca Mancini—everyone—they were kind to Mariangela. I helped Chicca get dressed, went to San Francesco with Pietro and with Michel too. Claudio is kind to everyone, even to Pietro. Everyone liked my sister Perette's party. There was good cake.
Marco Mazzarotto
It's hard to put into words what the camp at Alfedena meant to those of us who lived it.
What I find easiest to say is that there I found an oasis of peace and calm I hadn't encountered anywhere else in a long time. Among all of us, especially among us young people, a real bond had formed. We were always ready to help each other, knowing what work and effort we faced, but above all happy to do good for our brothers and sisters.
Fede e Luce also pushed me personally. It showed me there are still many people who love and hope, and it brought back an optimism that had been fading in me. I hadn't found a real community where I could share my experiences, my joys, and my sorrows.
I felt great joy working with the handicapped young people. Even when it was demanding and tiring, I knew I could help them have fun, sing and play with us, do the things we do—in the one place where that's really possible: Fede e Luce.
When it came time to leave, we were moved because we'd grown so attached to each other. We promised to meet again next year for another experience like this. That's the picture of what I found there, though no words could fully capture all the situations and moments of happiness.
To sum up Alfedena 1976: an experience of life we need to repeat, and, if possible, keep going.
Francesca Biondi
I should say that for me, opening my home to others is simply normal. I've always believed that if I can enjoy something, it's right that others enjoy it too. Otherwise I don't think I could truly be happy for what I have.
My children, I think, don't really say "it's my house" either. They see the house as belonging to everyone who lives in it.
How did our friends from Fede e Luce leave the house? More beautiful, more full, with a reason to exist. Every corner reminds me of something that isn't just mine, but something lived in that inner union—something I don't think I could ever describe in words.
I took part in this time not just by offering the house, but because I lived their days even from a distance, because I knew something bound us together that is more than ordinary friendship.
Only our young people know how to make us feel united in what is most intimate and most true in ourselves.