Bringing Faith and Light into a military barracks? The idea raised plenty of eyebrows at first.
Could we really carry the powerful evangelical message of our movement into an environment long seen—with all its ingrained assumptions—as closed off and remote from the outside world?
Anything is possible when Faith and Light is involved. And returning to the movement's roots, when everything seemed impossible and no one believed our path had any hope of a future, the lesson that comes down to us is this: step outside ourselves and share the gift of our communities with the world beyond the parish.
A letter goes out to the Commander of the "Pinerolo" Brigade, General La Manna, and within days he makes it happen. The event will take place at the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment in Bari. What an opportunity! A day with the beloved Bersaglieri!
The sun is shining. Young soldiers welcome the group at the gate, offering refreshments provided by Commander Col. D'Isa. The City of Bari is represented by Assessor Albore from the Commerce Department.
Captain Terraneo guides us through the corridors and rooms of the museum with courtesy and expertise, his stories bringing to life the history that made the Bersaglieri famous. Our young people, their parents, and friends listen in admiration, eyes wide with wonder.
After Mass in the barracks chapel with Father Marino, the highlight arrives: "A Lesson in Bersaglieri Music."
Our young people try their hand at the brass instruments, guided by the Head of the Fanfare, Sergeant Carrozzo, who lets each of them play. Their laughter and joy make this moment unforgettable for everyone there.
The fanfare then delights us with their marches, ignites the enthusiasm of the crowd, and invites our young people to sing the Italian national anthem. Lunch brings the day to a close.
And then, one more time, the fanfare bids us farewell with their marches.
You can see the elation in our young people's faces. Wearing the distinctive plumed caps and wiping away tears of joy, they make their way home from a day that has given us so much happiness.
Before we leave, Commander Col. D'Isa presents us with a plaque conferring on the Association Faith and Light the honor of "Honorary Bersagliere."
The day is over. And once again, Christ has made himself known among us and given us another miracle: nothing is impossible. In a barracks, just as in our communities, there exists that essential thing which often cannot be seen by the eye but is always visible to the heart.
Gianni Guerra - Vice Coordinator, Mari e Vulcani Province, 2013