A New "Region" — Faith and Light Comes to Southern Italy
Faith and Light has taken root in the South! Communities in Naples, Bellona, Bari, and Mazara del Vallo are the first four beacons lighting the way for others to follow. We hope soon to see new groups in Palmi and Palermo.
The connections forming between these groups—especially the regional gathering that coordinator Delia Mitolo is organizing for this spring—will strengthen each community and deepen their sense of belonging to one large family.
Our older communities are rooting for you. God bless your journey!
Christmas Celebration in Milan
Once again, all nine Milan communities gathered for Christmas—a day brimming with joy. Old friends from different groups reunited, newcomers were welcomed, and everyone exchanged Christmas wishes face to face. About 350 people met at the Venegono Seminary, which opened its halls, corridors, and spaces so that everyone, young and old alike, felt truly received and at home.
A day of such joy we won't forget until next Christmas!
Cuneo Community: Curtain Up
On January 19, the two Cuneo groups launched an ambitious project: staging a play before a packed audience, written and performed entirely by handicapped young people and adults.
The title was "No One Stands Apart"—a way of saying that despite all our differences and struggles, we can tear down the barriers each of us builds around ourselves and live as true friends, as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
The preparation was long and painstaking (what work for the directors!), and every member of both groups pitched in. The experience drew the two Cuneo communities closer together than ever.
When's the next performance?
Feast of Light at Our Parish
We had been warmly welcomed at St. Teresa parish, celebrating Mass in the church—but only for our group, outside regular hours. For the Feast of Light, together with the Villa Patrizi group, we took a big step: joining the main parish Mass at noon.
Since this was a great celebration for us, we helped animate the Mass with singing and gestures. At the Creed, we all lit candles from the Easter candle to proclaim—through visible signs—our faith in the risen Christ. The priest explained each gesture to the whole congregation and gradually drew everyone in. Our fears that people might grow impatient or restless vanished as the Mass went on. Our friends, far less worried than we were, felt proud to sit up front, proud to sing their joy with everyone else, to share their simple, essential message of unity among all people. As always, they led the way for all of us in Faith and Light.
— St. Joseph Group (Rome)
Our Plans Ahead
National Gathering at Galloro
From December 7 to 9, our national leaders met as usual: 100 people from 30 Italian communities gathered in an atmosphere of deep joy and peace. One might think by now that Faith and Light gatherings are always "happy"—and yet each time it remains a discovery, a mystery to experience the atmosphere that prevails even though each person arrives carrying their own burden of suffering, loneliness, fear, tension, and hardship.
At the same time, every leader felt they were the voice of their own group, responsible for bringing that spirit back home. Joy was not the only thread running through the gathering; we felt a tangible commitment and faithfulness in everyone. One powerful moment followed another, filling our hearts and minds with the fullness of joy that the Lord promises us: the words of M. Hélène Mathieu, international coordinator, inviting us to reflect on our "covenant" with the poorest and with each of our groups; a vigil with mime of the joyful mysteries, lived deeply by all; small-group conversations about community life; the moving testimony of a father; the rich celebrations of the Eucharist.
"That Your Joy May Be Complete" was our gathering's theme. We thank you, Lord, for giving us this joy and for sustaining it as our daily commitment to life.
Formation Week
For some time, many leaders have been asking for this, and the need grows: we need nourishment and resources to deepen our commitment. This summer, the last week of August, about 40 leaders at various levels will gather to reflect, to deepen our mission, to share our individual journeys, and to learn animation techniques and practical skills.
We welcome suggestions, ideas, and advice from all leaders and members alike. Please write to us!
— Editors, 1985
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