In the Heart of the World
When I look back for the roots of my calling, I can say that every step has prepared the ground for the next, drawing me closer to the contemplative life. What matters in any choice, I believe, is the space we make for the Light that wishes to guide us—even when we cling to our own plans and resist.
At one point in my life, after finishing university, I had the chance to work as a psychologist. I had dreamed of that profession, worked hard for it. But at the same time, something deeper was stirring—an urgency, I would say, that rose from the very center of my heart: to answer the cry of the poor. And this poor person I kept meeting was myself, whenever I stood before the Lord. Little by little I began to understand that before it was the cry of those beside me—the person wounded in mind or body—it was my own hidden groan, and its power lay in its weakness; it would not be silent, and it drew me toward every human suffering.
The restlessness I sometimes felt—the dissatisfaction with my own measure in the face of human need, in responding to the loneliness and rejection that so many endure—opened a crack in my life that has brought me here. Not away from the world. Into its very heart.
Here in the monastery, which is now my family and my daily life, I carry as a precious treasure the people I have met and loved, especially the smallest ones, and even those I do not know—who are mysteriously, yet truly, visited by our prayer.
Maria Chiara Goffi - Monastery of the "Most Precious Blood," Giaveno (TO)
Away from Home for the First Time
My name is Maria Grazia. I am eighteen years old. I belong to the "Burning Bush" group in Naples. I attended the gathering at Cappella Cangiani on May 1, 2, and 3. It was the first time I had been away from home for three days without my family. My friends helped me with everything because I cannot do things on my own. I was very happy to meet so many new people, and especially I was glad to meet Lucia, a little girl who came to the gathering without her parents. She wanted to be with me all the time.
I liked almost everything about this gathering. The vigils were organized very well. Friday evening a group of friends from outside had me do a little skit with them—I played the part of the people. Saturday afternoon we had the Penitential service and I went to confession for the first time. Sunday morning Father Enrico celebrated Mass and then gave a piece of blessed bread to everyone as a sign of peace among us.
The gathering ended with the release of a white dove as a sign that it too goes far away to build community, just like the song Anna Cece taught us.
I was very happy to be with so many new friends. I felt really good.
Maria Grazia Porzio (Text typed with one finger)
Cristoforo's Story
Cristoforo is a nice and kind young man from Poland. He has been part of our Faith and Light group for two years.
On April 13, 1987, at four-thirty, my father and I went to the Church of the Gesù. We attended the Holy Mass with the Cardinal, where Cristoforo and seven others received the diaconate—a step before becoming a priest.
It was a beautiful and moving ceremony. Our friends were there too—Rina Onori with Stefano, Antonio Mazzarotto, Alberto Petri, and Annarosa with Antonio. When it was over, we all embraced Cristoforo—my father and I first, then the others. They took photographs as well.
The church was large and beautiful, filled with people.
Mirella Stefani
A Ray of Light
I want to send warm greetings, an embrace, my thanks, and farewell to everyone who took part in the Faith and Light gathering in the South region at Cappella Cangiani in Naples. For me, the mother of a young handicapped daughter, it was a wonderful experience. Three days that I have recorded in my mind and heart, and I am convinced they will be light along my path. I have always asked the Lord to bring me out of the darkness of my doubts.
Last year I was invited to a Faith and Light gathering in Naples. Since then, a ray of light has opened in my life—and it keeps growing wider. Thank you! I don't want to be sentimental, but I had not found a place in other communities.
Enza Sapio