«To give a disease a meaning is almost always to impose a morality on it,» Susan Sontag wrote back in 1978. In the midst of this global health crisis—one that is overwhelming our present and casting its shadow over our future—the American intellectual's words return to haunt us. Now that so much is changing, starting with the soundtracks of our cities and our prayers—including the historic one the Pope offered on March 27, which Giulia Galeotti reflects on.
From the north come accounts of an eerie silence, torn open constantly by ambulance sirens. From the south, into the stillness pour sounds—the tolling of church bells, birdsong—that until yesterday were drowned out by chaos. We would hardly have imagined hearing vehicles with megaphones except for the annoying scissors-grinder of old; and yet, how we would welcome hearing that anachronistic call again, instead of the metallic voice commanding us (rightly) to stay home.
Staying home is not the same for everyone—fairness is a fairy tale. Yet there is some comfort in seeing how the stories of these difficult times that we have shared in recent Ombre e Luci newsletters have reached the mainstream press. Because people with disabilities and their families are citizens in every sense, and they have the right for their story to be the story of an entire nation. We continue our reporting now, this time through Mariangela Loffredo, who takes us into the daily life of a Rome day center that has stayed open; through Alessandro De Simone, who can no longer recognize himself in what he wrote just months ago; and through Laura Coccia, who, recalling her first quarantine experience at age seven, offers us an invitation for what comes after. For when all this is over.
Recipes – Beyond the stories, this time we want to suggest things to do. By all accounts, flour and yeast have vanished from supermarket shelves because home kitchens have become—or become again?—the center of so much. So here are some culinary ideas for you, along with our blogger Benedetta's: one from Nicla Bettazzi (whose hope is that the sweet smell of strucolo de pomi will accompany our thoughts), another from Giuliana Siclari (the caponata of Celli that unites Italy). Recipes that are made not just of ingredients, amounts, and temperatures, but also of stories.
Games – For these days of forced time at home, we bring back some games we have tried over the years at Fede e Luce. Obviously ones to play indoors, hoping they will help you get through this difficult time with a smile. And why not tell us in the comments or by email what you are inventing to pass the days in a different way? Let us know. We need suggestions too!
From Japan! On the Arrival of Ombre e Luci in Japan – An unexpected journey, one that would be hard to plan even in normal times: through a tweet, an article by Cristina Tersigni reached the Far East, specifically Japan. Proof of how far the voice of Ombre e Luci reaches! (So follow us on Twitter too: we travel quite a bit…)
Benedetta's Blog
What Else Can I Do?
Since I'm really good as a cook, a waitress, and at the front desk, and since I have to stay home and this coronavirus has made me super fed up, I'm telling everyone the recipe for eating good food. Keep reading…
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Fede e Luce Life
Photos and videos keep arriving for #CloseTogether! From the kitchen front, Matteo delighted us with homemade pasta for Luisa's birthday, and the S. Gregorio community hosted two cooking contests (first an homage to Italy, then a clash between north, center, and south!). Those who accompany the communities have also shared contributions: on our social media you'll find «words of light» from Don Mauro, an invitation to positivity from Liliana Ghiringhelli, and the always-comforting Lenten journey with Don Marco Bove. Closing this gallery is a fun guide to wearing a mask in the time of coronavirus.
Fede e Luce International has unveiled the motto and logo for the 2021 Lourdes pilgrimage—a «treasure to be shared» that, now more than ever, becomes a vision of hope for the future.
During Saturday's board meeting (strictly via Skype), it was decided to postpone until late September the assembly to elect the new board of directors of Fede e Luce onlus. More details coming soon.
It Is Easter – We may have forgotten the power of church bells, which sketch and mark the rhythm of life and accompany, with immense dignity, the suffering of individuals and communities. We await their sound now, as we have not for a long time, for Easter drawing near: we await the bells—with «their joyful and wavering voice» able to break through the darkness—which, as Mariangela Bertolini reminded us in an editorial from 2007, «call to celebration and announce the greatest event in the history of Christianity.»
The newsletter returns April 24.
A blessed Easter to all of you, dear readers!