Eva is a 32-year-old woman—affectionate, likable, good company. She loves to chat and can make you laugh with her jokes. But on a difficult day, you can read it in her face. She's been a friend of mine and my family's for several years now, and she spends a lot of time at our house.
A few months ago, she told me she wanted to receive Confirmation, something that had been put off for years. We talked it over with her mother and our parish priest, who were both delighted, and we started her preparation right away.
Eva threw herself into catechesis with real dedication. She'd leave her booklet and notebook at my place so she wouldn't lose them, and whenever she visited, she'd study a chapter—and usually stay for dinner too (she loved being invited to dinner!).
On the evening of August 4th, when Eva received Confirmation, the church was full of her friends, despite the heat of those summer days. I was there too, naturally, standing right beside her—she'd asked me to be her sponsor. Eva looked beautiful and was deeply moved after receiving the Holy Spirit. Everyone there was warm and engaged, and it ended in strong applause and endless good wishes.
Then we all stayed late in Eva's garden, where her mother had set up a wonderful reception. Eva was bursting with enthusiasm and joy—for the evening, for the gift she'd received, for the celebration all around her. I was happy to see her like that and to be by her side.
- Stefania Greganti - Senigallia, 2001
A Message for Everyone
The pilgrimage we made during Holy Week in France was something beautiful for our community in Perugia. We started out full of doubts: What would we do? How should we act? How could we celebrate and share space with other communities?
Our group had never done a real pilgrimage together before.
Instead, we lived through days we will never forget—the welcome at the Lourdes station, arriving at the ESPLANADE surrounded by thousands of people from all over the world, the exchange groups in our lodgings, the Way of the Cross through Bernadette's places, the Easter vigil, the candlelight procession, the great final celebration. Each of us from "IL CAMMINO" in Perugia experienced something truly profound, something that left a memory that will stay in our hearts forever. I had been on other pilgrimages before, but I truly discovered what a pilgrimage means. I met so many communities, knew people who were genuinely unique, and found in them a simplicity in how they reached out to others. I rediscovered what a real celebration is—not standing apart with your own community's banner, but setting it aside and jumping into the mix. It's like what Federica does, bringing joy with her gestures and the way she greets people, even ones she's never met.
We in Perugia carry that spirit of bringing others in, other friends. But the truth is, when someone invites us to celebrate, we tend to stay off to ourselves, gathered around our own banner, almost isolated from everyone else.
- Andrea Sartor, 2001