Forty Years on the Path

Dear Editors, reading your latest issue on our "first 40 years" was deeply moving. I loved it so much I read it twice, savoring every page both times. Congratulations to all of you who helped bring this special issue together. Why read it twice? I knew the history and stories well, but encountering the various articles—the memories of events, places, and people I know, knew, or had read and heard about—was like reliving a beautiful journey set to lovely, gentle music. Yes, reliving a beautiful journey. The theme running through every article is "walking together," never leaving anyone behind. It was through Mariangela that I first began walking this path with you toward that refuge that, yes, keeps moving—but welcomes us all at every stop, in moments of joy and sorrow alike, in encounters where hearts exchange embraces, songs, smiles, tears, and the push to go on, toward the summit. Ombre e Luci has been and remains that thread holding us all together like a permanent home, that photo album where we discover or recognize faces, people, places, and the history of Faith and Light—thanks also to important innovations like the chat that updates us almost daily and especially the website where we can find and reread so many precious old articles. Though I had to stop walking the path myself, and that saddens me greatly, my heart continues with you through reading our little magazine, staying bound to Faith and Light. It feels as though I'm still walking with you, even from a distance. Looking back at the piece of the path I traveled, I feel an undeserved pride and deep satisfaction at having walked it alongside so many special people I met along the way. And in the spirit of scouting, I wish everyone—editors and Faith and Light friends alike—good roads ahead!
"And the rhythm of our steps will guide us—there toward distant horizons we go."

(Rita Massi)

I Don't Stop!

Hello Ombre e Luci, I wanted to share some good news: my retirement request is on the way! I thought it was too soon, but with what I've been through, I can't do the work I was doing anymore, and there are no lighter jobs available. Honestly, I'm a little sad to leave the cafeteria because I've been so happy there through pain and joy for more than 15 years—it's been a real family! I also need to thank Saint Anthony for this great gift and the love of Jesus that gave me the chance to have a job, but now I have to say stop. But you know what? I won't really be resting because I have other activities—the Caritas library, catechism classes, and Faith and Light. So really… I don't stop!

(Nora Buccheri)

Time

Time
passes and
no one can
stop it. A
child cries
on a steep
cliff!
My self
shows itself this way!

(Claudio Moriggia)