«Formation is vital for young people because it's a chance to understand that we belong to a larger community," says Lovro Krpan from Croatia. "Faith and Light communities exist everywhere, sharing similar joys and facing similar challenges. When we gather, we learn we're not alone—and together we can share experiences and solutions." Krpan captures well why organizers decided to hold a week of formation for young adults from Faith and Light communities across the region coordinated by Angela Grassi, which includes Albania, Cyprus, Croatia, Galilee, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland. For Italian members, the last such gathering was in 2018 in Fano; before that, in Alicante, Spain, young people with and without disabilities from communities worldwide came together.
These formation weeks are designed to meet and support those under thirty who are drawn to Faith and Light communities. They are the future. Each, in their own way, can breathe new life into the bonds of friendship we experience in our communities.
Walking together with you—that was the theme. Stories from Lignano speak of real life lived fully over seven days together, for some almost like summer camp. "We prayed, did activities, sang, went to the sea, and had plenty to reflect on," recalls Liliya Smahlyuk from Palidoro, who like other young people with disabilities participated with friends from her region. "The affection I received and the spiritual guidance each day warmed my heart. They helped me grow and understand that love can overcome everything. Long journeys, physical difficulties, high fevers, nausea, coughs, and organizational challenges—none of that mattered. I'm grateful to everyone who never left me alone."
Silvia Freschi, from Milan, offers another window into the week: "It was beautiful but tiring. Each morning we gathered in the hall for prayer led by Father Marco Bove, then read and performed the Gospel through mime. Then came testimonies. One family's story struck me—they adopted two children, one with a disability. And a couple where the husband is both blind and deaf: it's beautiful to see and hear how they live together. In our groups, guided by questions, we shared our thoughts."
Some came as parents, like Mateja Breznik from Slovenia, mother of Sabina, who has special needs and will soon turn thirty. "There were more than seventy of us. Most were Italian, but others came from Cyprus, Croatia, Albania, and Slovenia. It was fascinating to meet people from all over Italy, north to south. Everyone shared a kindness and emotional openness, a joy in being together, an ease in conversation, and knowledge of many Italian songs. For my daughter, this gathering created unforgettable memories. Behind that beautiful week," she adds, "are people. People who did extraordinary work. People who made every day perfect for us."
That teamwork, despite inevitable difficulties, found creative ways to offer fresh perspectives—even a film crew. "I loved the idea of making a short film," Silvia continues. "Some prepared the text and the camp song, involving many of us. They filmed moments from our days and scenes we acted out, then edited it all into a video. They were so skilled—the result is so beautiful I show it to everyone I know."
Encounters like this, as Francesca notes, are rooted in the power to give joy: "When you meet another person, you always discover a friend." A true gift, says Marta Guerra, "to uncover a new story, a new smile, and learn something special about each person." That's something precious these days.