To Say Thank You
Dear Jean, I have lost a father once again. A father, a guide. I knew it would happen, but now it is real. Real as your words, your silences, your love for the little ones. The way you made yourself small despite your great height. We owe so much to your life: our communities in the Ark of Faith and Light, our gatherings, our pilgrimages, our times of formation, my family, my encounter with Jesus — none of it would exist without you. I weep a little, but I give thanks to God for the gift of your immense life. You left an indelible mark on the world and on each of our hearts. Ever since I read that small book, *Fear of Loving*, you shaped my life. I was graced to enter the Faith and Light community in Rho, and then to live for nearly two years in the Ark community called "Il Chicco," where alongside our dear friend Armando we were able to welcome you into our home, into our hearth with Lulù, Silvia, Paolo, and Fabio. You laughed with us, joked with us, sang with us, washed dishes with us — you shared every ordinary gesture. At one point you took my face in your large, gentle hands and said: "Do not be afraid to share your fragility with others, as our young people do, and you will experience true relationships, real friendship." I thank you, Lord Father of heaven and earth, because you hid these things from the wise and the learned and revealed them to the little ones. Thank you, Jean. I imagine you now in an immense garden, tables spread with colorful cloths, wearing your Pincio, your red beret, celebrating seated beside the Samaritan woman. — Paola Minone (and family)To Receive and Share
Beautiful, truly beautiful — the Ombre e Luci newsletter! It was wonderful to discover Benedetta's blog, and her writing struck me deeply: fresh, joyful, alive. As I read her stories, I feel as though she is beside me, telling them aloud. I love the design too — clean and elegant. The text flows easily, the content is engaging, with links here and there to invite deeper thought. It is a pleasure to receive it and share it. Thank you!
— The Mano nella Mano community