A Beautiful Day for Everyone
«The garden we are called to tend» — a phrase drawn from Scripture — is the place God has entrusted to each of us, given to our care and respect. It is the Earth itself: a precious garden, too often neglected by those who inhabit it.
«The garden we are called to tend» is also the name of a project led by Umberto Scotti, director of the equestrian center «Il Branco» in Fregene, Rome. The project aims to create a space open to anyone who wishes to learn respect for the environment and social solidarity.
On April 30th, Il Branco hosted a magnificent celebration: horseback rides and carriage rides (one drawn by Nestore, star of a recent film by Alberto Sordi), performances of song, dance, and music, exhibitions by police and drug-detection dogs from the law enforcement, a contest for the friendliest dog, a small petting zoo (with goats, sheep, lambs, cows, pigs, rabbits, and horses). The horses performed demanding exercises under the guidance of skilled riders and trainers. Among the many booths was a space devoted to Agility Dog, an association dedicated to helping disabled people develop their personalities and abilities through play and affectionate interaction with our best friends.
The day concluded with Mass.
Thank you to the organizers and all who participated for giving young and old alike — adults and children of every age — such a splendid and joyful day.
Francesca Poleggi
We're Glad to See You Go
I'm sorry I didn't give you notice earlier, but I no longer live at the Don Orione Institute in Perolla, and I've decided not to renew my subscription to «Ombre e Luci». Nearly two years ago, I moved out on my own and settled in Volpiana, a small town near Massa Marittima, where I attend the local parish.
I have my own small apartment, offered to me at a modest rent by Father Emanuele Cavallo, the parish priest and a close friend. I'm nearly self-sufficient now. In Massa Marittima, I've found a family that means a great deal to me. I have no financial worries — I receive a disability pension and I work at the public library in Follonica. I've made new friendships there, both through my job and at another local parish. Volpiana, where I live, sits halfway between Massa Marittima and Follonica.
I'm happy with my choice to live independently. I stay in touch with Don Orione, especially with Don Mario, the elderly director of the institute. But given the changes in my life and my move away from the Perolla community, I've found my interest in disability issues has shifted. I hope you'll understand my decision not to continue my subscription to «Ombre e Luci». Still, I wanted to take this chance to send you word of how I'm doing — and things are going very well.
Best wishes to all of you!
Pietro Ciampi