Dear friends, I waited eagerly for the latest issue of "Insieme," issue 20. I was disappointed. There was nothing new, nothing of particular interest. By the time I finished the opening pages, my enthusiasm had already begun to fade.
Why so many testimonies, all of them alike? With the possible exception of Maria Grazia, who expressed a genuine feeling with both style and poetry, the others—especially those written by mothers—were so similar to one another that I barely managed to get through the whole issue. In fact, I found myself wondering if the magazine had changed direction and our dear Nicole had resigned!
Earlier issues of "Insieme" contained particularly engaging articles: David Byrne's visit to Scuola Serena, teaching methods at Scuola Romagnoli, a portrait of life in the L'Arche community, camping trips, meetings, pilgrimages, the founding of new groups, the arrival of new friends at "Fede e Luce," and so on.
Perhaps because I'm a mother myself, I must admit that I find mothers' testimonies particularly heavy reading. While each testimony would have been meaningful on its own, lined up one after another like this, the overall effect felt overwhelming and monotonous.
The next issue may include a report on the pilgrimage to Loreto, which is still being organized, and later in the year there will be Jean Vanier's katimavic to write about. We could also feature other groups—outside "Fede e Luce"—doing similar work with handicapped people in the same spirit. I'm thinking particularly of "Crescere Insieme," based at the Church of Cristo Re. They sent a letter to "Insieme" about their work, but it wasn't published. I find myself strengthened and hopeful each time I hear of other people or communities putting themselves forward in this work.
What do other readers think of "Insieme"? Have I been too harsh? Please send in your own suggestions for how we might improve the magazine.
Warmest regards
Olga Gammarelli