The festive spirit was already in the air as I crossed the Sant'Angelo bridge, crowded with tourists, pilgrims, and Romans. I arrived at the gardens of Castel Sant'Angelo on a warm spring afternoon—the kind that makes you say: how beautiful Rome is! But the city's beauty faded into the background against the warmth and welcome I found under the Tents of Mercy. There, associations and movements working with illness and disability were sharing their experiences and stories, all preparing to participate in the Jubilee that would be celebrated the next day in St. Peter's Square with our beloved Pope Francis.
We had set up the Faith and Light stand with care, trying to capture forty years of history, experience, and passion through photographs, posters, books, and carefully selected issues of Shadows and Light. At the center sat a boat—everyone lined up to be photographed in front of it.
Sharing our tent was our sister organization, L'Arca, displaying their publications and beautiful handcrafted work from their artisan workshop.
As had happened in Assisi with the album, we faced a small challenge: attaching four tiny stickers to Jubilee magnets. The stickers represented four moments: the Holy Door, the Eucharist, Catechesis, and Celebration.
Fortunately, our able-bodied friend Filippo skillfully sold and distributed brochures, books, and magnets while other young volunteers patiently applied the stickers for those who wanted the complete magnets. Antonietta manned the stand as well, helping with book sales and answering questions. Meanwhile, children and adults worked with Arianna and Sara to create a large collage of fabric and paper, portraying a vivid portrait of Faith and Light. Enormous bubbles drifted through the air, amazing the children. There were drawings laid out on the grass, and so much more.
The atmosphere was like a park festival among people who seemed to know each other, even when they didn't. Children ran between the stands. Italians and foreigners greeted each other with broad smiles and embraces. Some asked questions, some made purchases, some took pamphlets—no one seemed to notice or care about differences.
Behind us, a stage had been set up with two large screens. In front of a vast crowd, a major entertainment program unfolded, opened by the Carabinieri band.
The event, presented by Annalisa Minetti and Rudy Zerbi, drew tremendous enthusiasm and became another occasion for connection. The performers included people with and without disabilities—singers, dancers, and the incomparable Silvan. There was Simona Atzori with her ballet, the Chicco Sband ensemble, and other renowned figures from entertainment and sport. I cannot fail to mention the thunderously applauded Alessandra Amoroso, who sent her fans into rapture. The Red Cross stood ready to revive young girls overcome with emotion.
As I left as evening fell, I felt at peace and wondered what I had done that was particularly fun or special to feel so serene. Nothing special, really—it was the Faith and Light effect!
Epilogue with a twist: Cristina and Angela stayed behind to gather the materials while everyone else gradually left. As dusk turned to dark, they suddenly realized they were locked inside the gardens of Castel Sant'Angelo. They ruled out breaking through the gates. By then they were already imagining spending the night in the open air, consoled by the thought that they'd be well-rested for the Jubilee—St. Peter's was right nearby! Then, miraculously, the groundskeeper appeared. All's well that ends well, and we all laughed about it!
Rita Massi, 2016