Mariangela called the Mosaic "a demanding reality," and she was right. When we formally established it on March 22, 1999, there were seventeen of us volunteers and twenty-one young people struggling with psychological difficulties of varying severity. We were all eager to serve, but terrified we might fail. Mariangela would not be discouraged. With the help of three gifted spiritual directors—Don Benedetto, Don Carlo, and Brother Roberto—and a young psychologist named Anna, she launched this great venture: the "Monument to Charity," championed by the bishop as a concrete witness to the Urban Mission that Pope John Paul II had instituted in preparation for the Jubilee of 2000.
The Mosaic: a collection of colored stones from every parish in the diocese, each carrying its own story and identity, together forming the face of Christ. This was Mariangela's first insight, and she was right about that too. The vision came true, and we still feel its fruits today. She was our guiding star. With her sharp eye, her tenacity, and her inventiveness, she led us from a sea dense with unknowns into waters illuminated by hope.
We volunteers learned from her to be guardian angels to so many dear young people whom we have always considered friends and brothers. In games, in work, in moments of fellowship, we still forget their struggles and feel them so close that we lose the boundary between us. Mariangela was always cheerful with the young people, but she could also be firm. She never tolerated self-pity. "Let's leave the dark thoughts outside," she would say—and she was right. We were all caught up in a divine project, and there was no room for condescension. She understood the meaning of family deeply. She set aside her own family, which she saw as God's gift to her, so that she could bring into our circle the warmth and love she carried within her. She shared her most treasured moments with us, spoke of her mountains, her traditions.
At Christmas and Easter, she would teach us songs, dances, and poems to recreate enchanted atmospheres together. She was deeply religious. She often invited us to spontaneous prayer and reflection, and all of this made us feel strong.
Mariangela, we miss you. We miss your counsel, your encouragement. Guide us with love as you always have, and comfort us with your radiant smile. We will pray for you, and we will feel you near.
The Friends of the Mosaic, 2014