This first half of the year has not been easy. Setting aside everyone's personal struggles and COVID-19, for many of us 2020 had already inflicted terrible upheaval when, in February, the results of the investigation into Jean Vanier came to light (which Ombre e Luci reconstructs here, translating into Italian texts previously available only in English and French). Upheaval over betrayed friendship, over behavior wholly incompatible with what Vanier had always proclaimed, over doubts about how to continue a path that involves millions of people, with and without disability. Yet as final proof of the project's strength—a strength that transcends the limits of any single person because it is built on the Rock—it is the Ark itself that shows us the way forward. In this precious article, Loredana Moretti, one of those leading the Chicco di Ciampino community, recounts the latest formation gathering of the international Ark—held, strictly by Zoom. "We know there is ground beneath our feet even as we live through earthquakes." A testimony worth holding onto also comes from Father Benoit Malvaux, a Belgian Jesuit and spiritual director of the Roman Faith and Light community of San Gaetano. He tells us how—at one of the last in-person meetings before lockdown—his community had taken up the subject. "A few days after that gathering, the pandemic and quarantine pushed the revelations about Jean Vanier into the background. Now that we are slowly emerging from this difficult time," Malvaux concludes, "it may be worth remembering this painful story."
A Journey Through Art — The forthcoming issue of Ombre e Luci proposes a journey through art. A journey through art made and contemplated, a "language suited to expressing almost anything," as Marta De Rino and Eleonora Secchi write, while also explaining the true meaning of art therapy. For many people with disabilities, painting and sculpting are ways of building social bonds in a "creative process that engages both soul and body" (as Gianni Verni reminds us). Just as powerful, though, is the dialogue some of them forge with great masterworks. Cristina Tersigni tells us about several of these encounters—Valentina with the Sistine Chapel, Matteo with Michelangelo's David. So many demonstrations, in short, of how art created "together allows each person's talents to flourish," as Tersigni writes in the editorial, "fostering communities that are truly free and truly inclusive."
Ombre e Luci opens with Giulia Galeotti's interview with Sante Bandirali, publisher, writer, and translator, but above all co-founder of Uovonero, a publishing house that sees richness in difference. If the idea that launched the company ten years ago was a desire to protect every child's right "to a beautiful book, to a true book," Uovonero stands out today for its genuine ability to place at the center of the literary scene themes wrongly considered marginal. Among the many rich contributions in this issue (including Serena Sillitto's article exploring what the foundational texts of Faith and Light actually say), we offer you a preview of a testimony from a future trustee: "proud, worried, and afraid," Stefano Nasuti is the one who will take responsibility—in accordance with the famous and still little-known "after us" law—for ensuring that the life plan his parents envisioned for his friend Massimiliano is honored.
Benedetta's Blog
Me, Dad, and Umberto Tozzi in the Car
I've already been to the pizzeria five times. I go to the park and for ice cream too. They never reopened the school. Or the gym. They told me I have to wait until September. So I guess I'll wait until September. But it takes patience and I'm out of patience. I've used it all up. Keep reading...
The Survey — Thanks to those who've already answered the survey; and thanks in advance to those who haven't yet but will find the two minutes it takes. Hearing from you helps us enormously.
Faith and Light Life
Happy Hour — Faith and Light's regular activities—summer camps and parish gatherings among them—will have to wait for calmer times to resume as usual. With people with disabilities living in residential facilities, caution is especially necessary; many still cannot get out as they once did. Yet the longing to see one another is strong, and friends in many Italian communities are organizing alternative meeting moments in small groups, all while respecting pandemic guidelines (especially avoiding large gatherings). Flora Atlante and Nives Caironi tell us about one genuinely happy hour.
Shared Recipes — During quarantine, the Rho community organized several initiatives to stay #CloseFromAfar. Writing a small cookbook together by sharing recipes was one of them. Here is the recipe collection available to all, a way of feeling united with other communities.
Support us with your 5x1000.
It costs you nothing; it means everything to us. Even during these difficult days, Faith and Light communities have kept the flame of friendship alive, reinventing community gatherings and closing distances. Show your friendship even from a distance.
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