"Listen, I wanted to talk to you: I have an idea that seems made just for you!"
That's how it all began—with a proposal tossed out almost casually by Father Valdeci, the pastor of San Zenone, a Brazilian transplanted to Terni to bring a little joy. It caught all of us off guard that December. But when he explained what it was about, it seemed to everyone exactly what was missing: a community of young people with disabilities (our young people), their families, and their friends, gathered to share the joys, worries, laughter, sorrows, and thoughts that come with this wild adventure called life.
Then came a surge of enthusiasm: our first meeting together, with help from friends in Rome, Daniela and Pietro; our first organized gathering with their support; choosing the name "The Hidden Treasure" (because we all hide a treasure that can make others rich); our first journey beyond our borders to a regional gathering with friends from Perugia and Assisi; the growing meetings with more participants each time; the Spring Festival we organized here; the Masses, workshops, and games run by the young trio Valeria, Beatrice, and Giulia; the testimonies, the embraces.
And then Simone, who "is a scandal," Francesco's enthusiasm, Valerio's wisdom (a man who works in banking and manages three facilities for disabled youth in Tuscany—just so you understand the type), Tommaso's gentleness, and Matteo's laughter; the high-fives from Samuele (who's ticklish like few others), Jacopo's bright eyes, Marco's quick answers, all of us together in joy. Joy, but also longing for Salvo, the true heart of the group, who chose to serve others in different ways. All of us splendidly unique, all splendidly imperfect and beautiful because of it, all splendidly brothers and sisters.
But what do some of these brothers and sisters think?
What does Fede e Luce mean to you?
Pamela: The first words that come to mind are joy and hope—for me and for Jacopo.
Elisabetta: It's an event to look forward to with excitement and prepare for with pleasure, because it feels like I'm caring for these young people. It's a chance to bring their parents and friends together, to see ourselves in their eyes and feel the peace we share when we're all together.
Valerio: Fede e Luce comes from the need of some brothers and sisters with physical and mental disabilities to be accepted by society. That's what it means to me: a way of bringing brothers and sisters in difficulty into the lives of so-called "normal" people, putting them at the center of the group.
How important is the religious element in Fede e Luce?
Simona: It's fundamental! To me, it's the glue holding our community together—that something that lets us truly show mercy and feel like one big family.
Rosalba: Very important! Faith helps us at every point in life, and this is a path of faith: a path where we realize how much these young people are the ones teaching us something.
Serenella and Nando: God's Word has always been deeply important to our family, and we're truly glad to be part of a community where religion has such a central role.
Rita: It's essential, because only by trusting in the Lord can we spread among ourselves the same love He gives us.
What's the most moving moment during the gatherings?
Alessandra and Alessandro: Every part of the gathering is moving. Seeing our children smile while they play with the other young people is pure joy. This is truly a place where young people grow.
Giuseppe and Emanuela: All the different moments are beautiful, but the one we love most is the "skit," when everyone—big and small—gets involved.
What would you suggest to expand Fede e Luce's reach?
Fabrizio and Francesca: We'd love to reach beyond our parish of San Zenone, logistically speaking. For example, we could participate in other events, even non-religious ones, to make our work known as widely as possible.
Emanuela: The various parish priests know the situation in our area. That's why I'd like to reach out to other priests in our Diocese—Terni, Narni, and Amelia—by visiting them and inviting them to our gatherings, to witness our "Hidden Treasure."
What have you learned from your relationship with these young people?
Beatrice: These friends have taught me not to fear others' judgment, and that it's truly terrible to have prejudices of any kind. We're all special, each in our own way!
Giulia: That they give back in love far more than they receive. That's the most beautiful thing: no matter how much attention, kisses, hugs, and smiles I give them, I feel overwhelmed by an affection that's incredibly greater.
Father Valdeci, a closing thought: what do you hope for from this group?
Simply and briefly: that it continues to be what it is—light, salt, and leaven. Nothing more.
Enzo and Fabrizio, 2016