Leaders from Faith and Light gather from 33 nations
During the week of March 19–25, 1984, coordinators and delegates from Faith and Light communities across 33 nations and five continents came together for an international gathering.
No few words can capture what those who attended experienced that week: the depth of the lectures, the power of personal testimonies, the profound emotions stirred by the meeting of people, cultures, and situations that seemed so opposed to one another. Once again, we witnessed the truth at the heart of Faith and Light's message: the poorest among us teach us how to overcome obstacles and tear down barriers, and to follow more closely the teaching of Jesus. We lived through moments of deep significance: the profound unity between representatives from Lebanon and Syria; the inner strength of the Polish delegates; the commitment to justice for people with disabilities in Central America, Africa, and India; the patient work of raising awareness against indifference and exclusion in the wealthy nations; the yearning desire for unity among Christians of different faiths.
Aware of these differences, we came to know one another deeply. That week of profound understanding, stripped down to what truly matters, was beautiful beyond measure. Yet what matters most now is that each of us carries this experience forward and lives out the daily reality of Faith and Light in silence and faithfulness to the one who gathered us together.
The entire gathering was marked by strong moments that encouraged us to remain faithful, to recover our passion, to deepen the quality of our meetings and relationships. Some stand out in particular:
- The lectures, given by M.H. Mathieu, Fr. J.J. McCullagh, Fr. D. Wilson, and J. Vanier on themes of vocation and the life of Faith and Light. They nourished both mind and heart. All four speakers struck us with their extraordinary gentleness and sensitivity, drawing us deeper into our shared journey.
- Presentations of different Faith and Light regions — the Middle East, North America, South America and the Caribbean — told through songs, words, dances, photographs, and drawings. We traveled from one end of the world to the other and put faces to each country's name. The bond of brotherhood became vivid and will not fade with time.
- The history of Faith and Light, told through memories, stories, and brief scenes. We traced our path step by step — the growing commitment of people, the birth of new communities in different countries, the struggles, the pilgrimages. Each person's story gradually became part of the larger story of Faith and Light. The emotion that evening was overwhelming.
Two events drew us out from our beautiful meeting place: an encounter with Italian communities, and an audience with the Holy Father at St. Peter's. A brief account of the first appears on the following page. The meeting with the Pope stirred emotions we could hardly contain. John Paul II's words of encouragement sustained us and continue to call us each day within our communities to continue on the path we have begun: "I wish for all of you to draw light from the revelation of God's love throughout Scripture; to learn especially from Jesus respect and love for the poor. People with intellectual disabilities are these poor — deprived of the means that bring strength and success to others, deeply vulnerable, yet precious in God's eyes, for whom every human life has inestimable worth and every person possesses inviolable dignity. As St. John tells us of Jesus, 'Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end' (Jn 13:1). People with disabilities need this love more than others — a love of tenderness and faithfulness that gives them security and helps them grow. Yet faith also helps us discover their personal gift to the world around them. The world gains much from their simplicity of heart, their humility, their joy, their trust, their hunger for love. Yes, the Gospel is Good News for these poor and their friends (...)."
March 24, 1984: Celebration of Italian communities with delegates from around the world
A day of great joy for the Italian Faith and Light communities, who on March 24 welcomed representatives from all 33 nations where Faith and Light exists. More than 100 people from across the world had gathered in Rome for the week.
The morning unfolded simply, as we got to know one another despite our different languages (at Faith and Light, we understand each other very well through gestures, and even better through smiles!). We welcomed members of the Italian Faith and Light communities — the joy of meeting and seeing familiar faces! — all while Rome itself was caught up in chaos with thousands of government protesters and thousands of pilgrims during the final days of the Holy Year.
After visiting the different parish communities where Roman groups gather, we enjoyed a meal carefully prepared by each group. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. But not for long — we were soon off again to celebrate together.
Over 650 of us were welcomed like family at the Pontifical Salesian Athenaeum. Despite the large number and the organizers' various concerns, everything ran smoothly. Even now, memories surface: Do you remember? The Mass was beautiful — presided over by Bishop Caporello and concelebrated by more than twenty priests in a spirit of deep recollection. Do you remember? The farandola that the poor "singers" couldn't quite get started, yet which became an invitation for all to enter the dance of life. Do you remember? The picnic and Faith and Light's birthday party — ten years — how many discoveries we've made together. Do you remember? The theatrical performance by the St. Sylvia group: how real St. Francis and the birds seemed; it was not just a play. And then more songs, the exchange of gifts, words of thanks. And do you remember? Jean Vanier telling us the story of the small bird held lovingly in the palm of a hand so it could find the strength to grow and fly. It was a beautiful celebration together.
But what did it really accomplish? Did it only fill our minds and hearts with memories and longing for times we can't always be together? I think that beyond the joy of that day, the meaning of this gathering lies in the bonds — fragile, yes, but real and faithful — that take root. These bonds go beyond what any organizer could intend or achieve.
A mother from Udine wrote to us afterward: "Thank you again for the warm welcome all the friends of Faith and Light gave us, as always, during our brief time in Rome. I feel that you have such trust in us, and I hope I won't let you down. I wish that soon Udine won't be among the new communities anymore, but among those that have taken root and are growing. Mariangela told me she may go to Yugoslavia, and if so, perhaps she will come visit us. I ask the Lord to help me, because I don't want to lose so many dear friends, and above all I want others — those who are skeptical and discouraged — to discover more love around them. Warm hugs to you and Chiara."
Did this gathering serve only to bring together a mother from Udine and a young person from Yugoslavia, so that two young communities could meet and encourage one another? Perhaps. Yet it is from these moments — and from other episodes of joy and hope — that our path at Faith and Light is made:
Alleluia!