On Sunday, June 12, 2010, many people gathered to celebrate the Carro's twentieth birthday.
Twenty years ago, thanks to Matteo, Ivana, and the Holy Spirit, a miracle was born.
It was a beautiful day. We were entertained by the "Monday Choir" and a play called "The Traffic Light," written and performed by everyone who lives at the Carro.
There were games for children (so many children!), Mass, and a reception.
At the beginning of Mass, the pastor of San Romualdo said: "Behind every great man stands a great woman." I would say not behind, but beside.
The sister who teaches Matteo and Ivana's daughters spoke of a vocation within a vocation, suggesting two callings. But really there are four—two for each of them.
For most of us, one vocation is more than enough. So many people fail with just one. How many marriages end badly? Sometimes priests and nuns cannot stay true to their vows. All vocations are hard.
I have often wondered: if Matteo had never met Ivana, if he had never married her, could he have done all that he has done? Perhaps. But it would have been much harder.
So thank you. Thank you to the Holy Spirit for the miracle of the Carro. Thank you to Matteo. And especially, thank you to a great woman.
Olga Gammarelli, 2010