From Italy
From Parma
"The friends of F. and L. stand with the Gabbi family as Bruno answers the Lord's call to join the feast in His glory."
L. B.
From Rome
"I've been called again, and this time too, thank God, with my husband's help and our friends' support, I was able to say yes!
Carla gave me the first gift when we arrived in Grenoble. She said: thank you, mama, for bringing me here. I didn't realize what the days ahead would hold. What amazes you is seeing that F. and L. truly has no borders—that people face any hardship at any age without feeling its weight."
F. G.
On Wednesday, July 30, after the Forano camp ended, Robert Michit left for good, returning to France after nearly six years of life among us.
It's hard not to drift into memories at such a moment: Robert with his deep, complex thoughts; Robert the clown; Robert skilled with his hands; Robert less skilled in the kitchen; Robert who knows how to listen; Robert who doesn't speak Italian well (hooray for stars on ice); Robert quick to read any situation; Robert the theater actor; Robert who spends a free evening with whoever among us is most alone; Robert the priest; Robert teaching us a song; Robert teaching us a game; Robert reading Scripture with us. Each of us can add our own memory.
But above all, for everyone, Robert as friend. What can we say to you, Robert? How do we say goodbye? What do we wish you? Perhaps the most beautiful words are those your quietest among our children might have for you. And the truest greeting is the hug the smallest of them can give you. Or what a little friend of yours said these past days: "It's been a while since I saw Robert." On behalf of everyone, goodbye! Your path as a tireless wanderer has taken you to France today; tomorrow perhaps it will lead you farther still. And who knows—one day it may bring you back to Italy. Where a place to pitch your tent will always be free and waiting for you.
One from Villa Patrizi
From Cuneo
"The days passed, and with them my bad mood and pessimism gave way to joy: the joy of seeing each other again, knowing each other better, having fun together, working, joking, talking, singing, sleeping, eating—doing all the things we always do, but this time, doing them together."
Pierpaola
"But from the very first days, something happened that I believe is the 'miracle of being together': each of us managed to share our whole selves with the others, and a climate took shape that reminds me of my own home."
Donatella
From Abroad
From Belgium
"How can we say how meaningful the days in Grenoble were for us? Thank you, Lord—for your care, your joy, the exchange in this great family of F. and L."
Françoise et Jean Evariste
From Poland
Our communities are preparing for the pilgrimage to Lourdes with the "Journey Notebook," despite uncertainty about whether we can manage such a difficult undertaking given our circumstances. Filled with trust, we dare ask the Virgin Mary to give us the means.
T. B.
From France
"We went on pilgrimage to Our Lady of Czestochowa with B.C. and a few others, and we stopped to greet Teresa. What joy to find ourselves in family so simply the moment we meet F. and L! Even though it's small, the pack on my back sometimes feels heavy. Perhaps because it was filled with all the intentions of those who set out with me. I was deeply struck by the Polish people's gentleness, their strength, and their hope."
A.D.