A Match of the Heart
After the wonderful, exhilarating day of the Kimata Cup, I woke with a tangle of feelings racing through me. The faces keep coming back—all those smiling faces, the Albanian, Cypriot, and Italian players who took part in the tournament, the many friends from Faith and Light and beyond who watched from the stands, moved by what they saw. From the bench, I watched a positive energy build and then explode on the field—but always with the right spirit, the pure sporting attitude that wants to win while respecting every teammate and opponent, that lifts up those who struggle. Like when the Albanian players and coach cheered on our Cristina too, calling out as she ran across the field, free to take her shot at goal. We did the same for a Cypriot player who had less skill. And that kind of support brings out unexpected strength and ability in young people who perhaps had rarely played soccer before. Everyone who came to watch helped create a festival atmosphere that will stay with us. Thank you all.
Paolo Catapano - Rome
Where I Find Peace
My name is Emiliano Caprini, and I'm part of Faith and Light in the San Gaetano community. I came ten years ago through a psychologist who knew Huberta. My work is demanding, so I get to Faith and Light when I can—especially because my parents aren't doing well. My father is eighty-two and starting to have Alzheimer's; every morning I take him shopping because he often loses his money. I work mornings at the IBL Bank and afternoons as a cleaner at the Vatican Museums. When I'm at Faith and Light, I find a sense of peace—even out at the field in Tarquinia with Antonio and Giuseppe, my closest friends. At the house we share what's on our minds, everyone talks about their struggles, we do activities together, and after lunch we sit outside in the fresh air.
Emiliano Caprini - Rome
Goodbye, Andrea
He gave a book to every friend he met. That's one of the things Silvana Zamperoni told me when she called to say her son Andrea had died—on the feast day of his beloved Saint Francis, following complications that are, sadly, all too common for long-term dialysis patients like him. Andrea himself had written about the burden of dialysis in the Ombre e Luci issue on ordinary health and disability, yet he let shine through a fierce determination, real strength, and genuine warmth. I came to know him first through his mother's stories, then through two long, beautiful phone calls with him. He surprised me, Andrea did, with his gift for entertaining and his hunger to be entertained—by me, practically a stranger. I understood then how he'd touched the lives of those he loved with a profound goodness, despite the hardships he undeniably faced. From all of us, thank you for sharing a piece of your precious life.
Cristina Tersigni - Rome
Her
When the woman came to the gate
the good weather came too
If I watch her spellbound,
the show is guaranteed
After today's rhyme
I kissed my woman
Claudio Moriggia