When the applause died down, the euphoria faded, the spotlights dimmed, and the embrace of joy gave way to quiet—that's when it hit me. I was responsible now. Sergio and I. Me again, after years away, absorbed by the happy chaos of family and the grinding weight of work. And still: me.
I need to thank whoever believed in me—not just as Angela, but as Angela and Sergio together. It's a profound joy, a balm to the heart, knowing that friends, parents, and young people in our community have chosen us with such affection and trust to guide the boat of our community, Maria Santissima della Madia, for the years ahead. What seas will find us? What safe harbors will shelter us? Which sailors will climb aboard? Which coasts will we brush, which lands will we reach? Only God knows. And we hope He stays close to us, because He owes us that much.
If the election brought this result, it's all His "fault." So let Him take His share of the responsibility too.
My yes surprised everyone—most of all myself. Sergio, though? He was already at my side before I said it. He was my certainty, my anchor. I want to borrow from a recent television success and list the reasons that swept me up. But I've already said whose fault this is—the moment I had to answer.
I said yes because:
Among the reasons Sergio loves me is this: he believes in me. He's convinced—despite my resistance—that I can lead by serving and serve by leading.
Among the reasons God loves me is that same faith in my gifts (always despite my objections).
If Sergio thinks this, and God Himself thinks this, then maybe—just maybe—I have to believe it a little too.
When I meet someone new and sense the beautiful world inside them, my first thought is: "How much good it would do her to be part of Fede e Luce."
When I think about what runs through my veins, I know it's not just blood cells of every color. It's love for these young people.
Because my friends from my old community came to cheer me on.
When I think about who I am, I realize I am who I am partly because of the affection of my young people.
Because my dear friend Mariella deliberately made a hundred crepes for our Christmas lunch, simply because she loves us.
Because Rosalba, when I asked her to choose another worthy candidate—Salvatore, someone I pushed for right to the end—looked me in the eye and told me the truth: "I'm more attached to you."
Because my friend Anna had her mind made up long before my name was even mentioned.
Because everyone loves my lasagna, and I'm happiest when I make them for our Fede e Luce Sundays.
Because in this community, I am loved. And there's no objection I can make to that.
Angela Di Bello, 2011