On October 31st, after a concert, we young friends had gathered around a table at a beer hall, making plans for Fede e Luce's New Year celebration in 2000. Giovanni and Chiara were there, of course. Less than twenty hours later, on the evening of November 1st, Giovanni was killed and Chiara gravely wounded. They were in Giovanni's car—the one that had been so useful to us at camp, for outings and carrying the large amount of materials Chiara had prepared for activities. They were struck without warning by someone emerging from the darkness. Even now it feels like a terrible nightmare from which we long to wake.
Giovanni and Chiara were a beautiful couple who radiated joy and love to everyone blessed by their friendship.
Their love had blossomed fresh and sweet at Fede e Luce's camp, under Father Klaus in Valle d'Aosta. In that context of communion, where community life weaves bonds of deep sharing and friendship, Giovanni and Chiara found themselves walking together on a path of faith and service.
Over these past few months—which now feel like a lifetime—we watched with wonder as Giovanni drew near to the young people, the children, the parents. He opened like a flower to the sun, and with his beauty gave splendor back to creation. He had come to camp at Chiara's invitation, and when we returned to Cuneo, he quickly became part of our community life.
In these days of despair, Chiara has astounded us with her clear gaze that looks beyond suffering. She does not tire of calling us all to treasure the moments of true friendship with Giovanni, to feel the warmth of his love, the strength of his hope, and to become guardians of his dreams.
Read also "All Things Are Possible—Chiara's Letter"
One of the miracles unfolding before us poor brothers and sisters of Fede e Luce—who know no other way but to unite in prayer—occurred in those very days. Giovanni's mother called the hospital to speak with Chiara. After a long conversation, she asked about the Lourdes pilgrimage to which Giovanni had registered. Without hesitation, she decided to donate her registration fee to the poorest communities in our sister region. She expressed her wish to know us and invited us to visit her family to speak of Giovanni and to share in his experience with Fede e Luce.
What an indelible mark he left on us. What consoling strength continues to radiate from him to his family, to Chiara, to all his friends.
- Caterina Bordon
