A Gift to Be Grateful For
Last July, three delegations from Faith and Light in Russia, India, and Hong Kong passed through Rome for several days. They were returning from Krakow, where the International Council had held its assembly. During their stay, the Rome community welcomed them warmly—opening their homes and guiding them through the city's most sacred sites. Here is how Maria Fatima Raj, mother of a disabled daughter and leader of Faith and Light in India, wrote to Mariangela about the visit: "Joseph and I are deeply grateful for the wonderful way you organized everything for us. We met people who gave us so much of their time and affection. You made it possible for us to carry Rome back home with us. We will always remember this visit and the people who made it happen. Rome is so beautiful, and I am happy to have been there and to have met you all. Please thank your husband Paolo Nardini for picking us up at the airport, and Natalia Livi, Maria Agnese Boitani, Chiara Bertolini, Betta Mochi, and the sisters at the convent.
This whole experience made me feel part of a great family—the Faith and Light family. That is what Faith and Light really is: the sharing of affection and friendship. It is simply wonderful, and it reminds me of the love of Agape. I thank God for people like you and the others in Faith and Light, and especially for Jean Vanier and Marie-Hélène for beginning this extraordinary movement. Thank you again for all you have done, and thank Faith and Light in Italy for the gift of our time here."
In the Spirit of Francis's Canticle
Tonino Valentino of the Immacolata Concezione Community in Bari reflects on his spiritual experience at summer camp—a fitting preparation, it seems, for next April's national pilgrimage to Assisi.
The 1994 camp unfolded with its joys and challenges. It proved, as always, to be a singular and irreplaceable encounter—a time of meditation and precious opportunity to recognize and live moments of great "love." The brotherly love that the poor man of Assisi knew so well, to whom this year's camp was dedicated, echoing his sublime hymn of praise to the Lord for all creation.
The week held diverse moments: prayer, singing, and games, filled with the children's joy and enthusiasm, thanks to Father Luigi Frattin's help and generosity. We owe him our heartfelt gratitude and deep respect.
Our times of reflection centered on the Canticle of the Creatures, seeking to understand day by day the profound message that Saint Francis drew from the simplest—yet most precious—of creation.
We praised Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and the stars as expressions of divine light, arriving to us through the beauty and splendor of the Creator.
The next day we praised Brother Fire, symbol of that warmth which burns with gentleness, setting hearts ablaze—the same ardor that moved Francis when, before the crucifix of San Damiano, he became small and a servant, like Mary.
Then came praise for our mother earth, for the fruitful love she expresses through the goodness of her fruit and the beauty of her flowers. The final day, intense and rich in meaning, was given over to thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for all those who know how to forgive, and to a penitential liturgy in which the children participated with great interest.
Of course, in our time it is difficult to convey the message that Saint Francis offers us—his intimate sense of life as a gift shared with all creation. We have grown unaccustomed to such feelings. Caught up in a world that deadens true emotion, we no longer perceive the presence of others except when they serve our profit or convenience.
But the Lord does not yield to the world's selfishness. He has his own ways, and he calls forth people who listen and follow him—yes, with the fear that accompanies every courageous choice, but a fear overcome by the need to share the love we have been given, which is light for our journey. Thus each day ends: with the joy and peace of having spent it in praise and thanksgiving, but above all with having opened our hearts, our minds, our actions to the experience of love.
Tonino Valentino - Immacolata Concezione Community, Bari