A River of Peace – North
From April 25 to 28, we gathered in Monteortone near Abano Terme for our assembly—four years since Cattolica. Together we reflected on the theme "You are the light of the world" and prepared ourselves through reflection and testimony (Enza Gucciardo's was particularly moving) for the election of our new coordinator. With help from Lucia Casella, this moment allowed us to take stock of our province and its needs.
The assembly asked me to continue for another four years, and I accepted, though I'm living through a time of deep fragility. I'm certain that the support of each person will not fail us—I already see the first signs of it.
Special thanks go to Cesarina Bertin, who steps down as vice coordinator after many years of dedicated service. The nominations committee has appointed Alessandro and Lucia Bacchin from "Raggi di sole" in Conselve to lead the Veneto. In Piedmont, Valeria Rodella continues her mandate. She is now joined by Nicoletta Alliani from "Guida la tua guida" in Mondovì. Lombardy 2 faces some challenges with leadership transition—we trust in the breath of the Spirit.
Kimata – Center
We're ready—more or less—for summer. Kimata's health report is enriched with many new activities.
As you know, we participated in the vigil and Mass of Pentecost with Pope Francis. Beyond a delegation from Faith and Light International, communities from Rome, Velletri, and Fidenza were present in the square. The Pope's words urged us to remain open and feel ourselves part of a Church that is open. All of us risk closing ourselves in—in our comfort and habit, in our friendships and affections, in our lovely encounters and our small homes. It is Jesus who wants to go out, who pushes against the gates we bar with our certainties. It is our young people who want to venture out, to open themselves to others, to be free. To find ourselves among countless difficulties in St. Peter's Square, close to the basilica steps, with a smile as our calling card, feeling part of a project larger than ourselves that bound all the ecclesial communities gathered there—it was magnificent.
The privilege of being there, in the heart of the Church, proud to represent all Faith and Light groups throughout the world, after walking so far alongside our smallest brothers and sisters, filled us with joy. More adventures await us before our Provincial Assembly from June 28 to 30, when we'll elect our new coordinator. The boat of Kimata is ready to set sail again.
Sea and Volcanoes – South
From April 12 to 14, our provincial assembly took place at the Hermitage of Camaldoli (NA) to elect our new coordinator and appoint two vice coordinators. The theme we chose—"Here I am, send me"—was a beautiful journey through how to say yes to the Lord's call despite our fragility, fear, expectations, and limits, with the discovery that we are never alone in carrying forward that yes.
For our witnesses we chose the "human" faces of Isaiah, with his calling from the Lord ("Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?") and his willingness to serve despite his infirmities; Mary, an ordinary woman, whose "Here I am" made it possible for the Son of God to reveal himself to the world; and our own yes—Faith and Light's response to all those families and friends who have asked for and continue to ask for our friendship, in our communities, with the difficulties we face today but also with "the joy of an encounter, the embrace that consoles, the mutual support." This entire journey accompanied my reelection as provincial coordinator and the appointment of two vice coordinators: Caterina, who will accompany the communities of Sicily, and Gianni, who will accompany the communities of Puglia.
Carlo Gazzano – Comunità Edelweiss