Open Dialogue No. 95

Those who truly need help

I've noticed something that has shocked me completely. It's a reality that exists, unfortunately. People in Rome complain about how life is going every day. I have observed that there are those worse off than us, living under bridges and eating whatever they find in poverty. There are also those along the Tiber, where no one sees them. This makes me think that politics doesn't work. Instead of enriching ourselves and fighting between factions, right or left, we should try to help those who truly need it. The abandoned dogs that go hungry — I see one every day — they become attached to whoever feeds them. The homeless who ask for charity from people I can't bring myself to approach — it's because I don't want to admit the truth. When they find work, who should think about them? A dignified place to live. Goodbye. Giovanni Grossi

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I didn't skip a single page

Congratulations on your latest issue. I didn't skip reading a single page. This amazed me — you've packed into one small booklet subjects that would satisfy at least three of those big magazines you see in newsstands, stuffed with trivial news! I took the opportunity to share a few articles and testimonies from your pages on our website and in our Guest Book, with a reference to Ombre e Luci in brackets alongside each one. We remain at your service for whatever you may need from us in the future. More testimonies, scientific collaboration with our Specialists for your articles, whatever you think most appropriate. A magazine like yours deserves it. I've kept your address and added it to our directory, so we can inform you of each of our upcoming events. I'm looking forward to receiving your package of magazines! Thank you. Sabrina Paluzzi

President of La Quercia Millenaria

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The Elves' Kitchen

That's what we — Letizia, mother of a disabled young man, members of Fede e Luce at S. Roberto in Rome — along with Mariangela, Silvia, and a group of disabled young people — have named our workshop. We started in February, when the Province finally approved our project. Since then we've been making all sorts of good things, some quite different from the usual. Along with traditional jams and pickles, we make shallot sauerkraut, peach and ginger jam, and watermelon and apple preserve. There's a banana, kiwi, and mint sauce — our exclusive recipe, a bit daring perhaps, but we had so much fun! We're also pleased because our customers have been satisfied, and that's no small thing. Starting in September, we'll have the chance to expand our workshop, and we'd be happy if more young people from Fede e Luce would come work with us. Anyone who wants more information can call Harmonia at 06/86329530 and ask for Luigi, our coordinator. We're looking forward to seeing you. Letizia