A Friend Found Is a Treasure Found
Summer means camp season! Now comes the time to reflect and share with those who couldn't be there. We're happy to give space to the impressions of some participants in the Faith and Light camp at the "LE 12 STELLE" vacation home in Cesenatico, July 6–13, 2013.
The vacation was wonderful and joyful. The boat trip was interesting—I loved learning about the oil platforms. The community took such good care of us, despite a few mishaps (a ball hit me in the face, broke my glasses, and chipped my tooth). I'm glad new friends came this year.
Maria Goffi
A fantastic week. You felt the joy of being together, born from the love we have for one another.
Teresa, Gianni, and Pucci
Words aren't enough. I wish my heart could leave my chest and express what it felt this week. After March 30th, I honestly didn't think I could go on participating in the places and activities where Pino poured his whole soul and heart. Instead, the opposite happened. The very next day, I felt the need to see you all. Believe me, I never thought I'd manage this vacation, but I understood that all of you are my big family. As you could see, almost my entire family was there with us—as if Pino had arranged it. I'm sure he felt all the happiness we received, and especially the joy I haven't felt in so long. Even with my sorrow, this week served me well. We did things Pino always loved, and I saw him there among all the other young people. I was moved by little Francesco and his calm, by Claudio's joy and everyone's kindness to him, by Paoletta giving massages to everyone with professional care, by my children's delight at being with us all—something that had never happened with such force before. I thank God and my little angel Pino for giving me the strength to take part once again in this beautiful shared experience. I thank all of you for always standing by me, as you always have, and now I understand it more than ever. The closer we stay to our young people, the more our souls are transformed. So thank you to all the brothers and sisters of this great Faith and Light family. Only this way can we truly live out the mystery of Jesus's Gospel, as our Holy Father Francis says—we must go out, communicate, live the wisdom of the Gospel.
Olga
The vacation went well; I felt good. The Faith and Light friends are important to me because with them I feel safe, at ease, and they give me energy and joy that spreads. I love dancing—as soon as I hear music, I'm on the dance floor letting loose (and all my pain goes away).
Lorenza
My heart is full of joy seeing how enthusiastic my daughter is about being with you. Thank you, and God bless you!
Eva, Lorenza's mother
I spent a wonderful week. During naps I prayed a lot. I was surprised how many grandparents were in our group this year! Thank you, friends of Faith and Light—you are my strength in life. I love you.
Paola
Thank you for everything you do for these young people. Every time Paola comes with you, she comes back even more energized—we can barely keep up with her.
Carla, Paola's sister
For me it was a beautiful experience. It felt like living in one big family where everyone cares for each other and helps when needed. I saw Massimo, my son, break away from me and happily stay with the others. I thank you all for your warmth and joy.
Marilena
The Faith and Light camp in Cesenatico just ended—the second one I've done. Last year was new to me; even though I didn't know everyone, it was beautiful. We strengthened old friendships and got to know new friends. When we all saw each other again, I felt an enormous, overwhelming joy. Just thinking about spending a week with old and new friends had me floating on air. I could hardly believe I was there. It's always wonderful to see you all.
Arianna
It was a beautiful experience filled with joy and showed us that helping those in need makes you feel really special and good.
Katia and family
I still have in my eyes all the beautiful moments from those days together, and especially the smiles that accompanied us.
Claudio
Francesco came home from the Cesenatico vacation happy. We rarely saw him so eager to tell us what he'd done with you and to confirm he'd loved the trip.
Elisa, Francesco's mother
Every year the atmosphere gets better. Sharing becomes joy. Friendships deepen. New connections form. The camp proves to be a time for truly unique days and for giving Faith and Light's mission greater substance. "A friend found is a treasure found"—and we find that treasure thanks to more and more people. I'll admit I was nervous about the numbers: seventy-two of us leaving together! But the staff at the 12 Stelle took such good care of us that everyone went home happy. The joy Francesco, Silvia, and from what I hear, other young people showed their parents when they got home—that's the most beautiful testimony.
Angela
My thanks go to Luisa for bringing amazing jams that brightened our breakfasts. To Silvana, who with her homemade limoncello and medlar liqueur helped us wind down each night. To Lucia, the director of the vacation home that's hosted us for years, who gave us a fabulous cake on the last evening to thank us. Thank you all for the beautiful days we spent together—we're a fantastic team! Together we're strong. Working as one, we manage to organize wonderful things.
Flora