Sunday, October 13th was a wonderful day for our two communities—San Gioacchino and Don Orione!
Nine people received Confirmation.
For many of us, the day began early. The confirmands met with their catechists and the Bishop for final spiritual guidance and encouragement. Meanwhile, other friends gathered at the Don Orione Institute, eager but still half-asleep, to prepare the rooms for the celebration.
When we all came together outside San Gioacchino—dressed, unusually, in our finest clothes—we knew something special was about to happen. As we greeted Letizia's parents and held little Francesco, the air was thick with anticipation and emotion. Once we entered the church, that feeling ignited into joy and tears. The confirmands processed in behind the Bishop and priests: Letizia, elegant and radiant; Enzo, arm-in-arm with Luca, warmly greeting everyone he knew and didn't know; Elena, gently accompanied and protected by Manrica; and Tommaso and Mario, each accompanied by their sister Donatella and by Riccardo. Together they were beautiful. Together they walked through the church. Together they received the Holy Spirit alongside the other young people of the parish. The church was filled with warmth and stillness—the kind of atmosphere we usually experience only at Fede e Luce Masses, yet this was no Fede e Luce ceremony. It brought together very different people. And the tears in people's eyes weren't just those of Enzo's parents or Mario's mother. Many parishioners standing there were moved to tears as well.
It's impossible to recount every beautiful moment of the ceremony. All we know is that when we left the church, our hearts were full of gratitude. Gratitude, first of all, to our young people. They have been part of our weddings, baptisms, and celebrations for years now—but today they were the true stars of the day. Thanks to Enzo, whose warmth won over even the Bishop immediately. Thanks to Mario and Elena, who sat through the entire hour-and-a-half ceremony in quiet attention, as if sensing that something important was happening—these two who usually fill our gatherings with cheerful noise approached the Bishop for Confirmation with particular solemnity. Thanks to the other confirmands: Tommaso, who showed unexpected talent for organizing and bringing everyone together. Thanks to Letizia's warmth and her thoughtful questions about spiritual and Gospel matters—the kind of questions many of us have felt but never dared ask aloud, questions that sometimes even experienced catechists found challenging. Thanks to Luca, who a few years ago didn't participate in our prayer meetings, but whose choice today witnessed to the importance of community in our spiritual lives. Thanks to Manrica, whose generous availability and attentiveness became a reliable anchor for everyone, especially in the young people's growth. Thanks to Donatella and Riccardo, who, though they don't usually take part in our community activities—except when the community rather insistently invades their home for various meetings—chose to share this crucial moment in our group's journey.
Thanks to Paul Gilbert, who after years of friendship with us, was essential in the preparation process, helping them all arrive more ready for this day. Thanks to Father Danilo, the parish priest of San Gioacchino, whose gesture of sincere and spontaneous welcome—still rare to find elsewhere—invited our confirmands to join the parish young people and gave our families the chance to feel like a true part of the Church. Thanks to Davide and Hughes, two young seminarians who had been faithfully attending our groups for some time. They helped Paul in the demanding work of preparation, showing a special sensitivity toward our young people that gives us real hope.
Thanks to Bishop Apicella, who, even without knowing Fede e Luce well, made us all feel at ease—especially the young people, whom he addressed several times during the ceremony, even with gentle humor.
Thanks to all those who were there—friends, relatives, and parents—and to the many children who made the atmosphere even more festive.
The joy of the ceremony spilled beyond the church walls and carried us through to the celebration we organized at the "little red house" of the Don Orione Institute.
There, true to the best tradition of Fede e Luce, tears and emotion were replaced by soft drinks, sandwiches, excellent homemade lasagna, singing, and games!
Silvia and Monica, 1996