A moment to begin again
Pompei arrived at exactly the right time. Why? For me, it was a period when I needed answers—solid points from which to start again. From the journey there, I was able to see friends I hadn’t met in a long time; it was wonderful to share stories and remember what we had lived through together over the years. As soon as we arrived in Pompei—after the transfer to the hotel and then to the Trapani Hall at the Sanctuary—there was an explosion of happiness, in true Fede e Luce style, despite the absence of friends who were no longer with us, whom we knew were celebrating with us in spirit this important milestone: 50 years of Fede e Luce. Many of the activities offered were fundamental for me; they helped me with meditation, inner reflection, and once again with understanding more deeply the Great Things that God has done for me. They were three very intense days—demanding, I would even say—but absolutely worth it. I was able to reflect on many things through small gestures: a smile, a look, a small act of help that may seem little, but for us and our families means so much. These days also helped me create new friendships and strengthen existing ones.
Arianna Giuliano (Milan)
Arianna Giuliano (bottom left) with other Fede e Luce pilgrims in Pompei
Something precious
Fede e Luce is laughter, joking, celebrating when we meet. It is coming together, sharing our stories, living this beautiful pilgrimage experience. Listening to the interviews with so many people, you could feel the warmth, the emotion, the joy of being there. We truly must thank Our Lady, and we must also thank all those who stepped forward to prepare everything. The visit to the archaeological site was wonderful, followed by the celebration with dancing, singing, and food brought from every region. On Saturday evening, the vigil began with the procession and lit candles: the church was illuminated by a sea of people. The light entered our hearts; some read passages from the Gospel while they were acted out. On the final day, the Mass with the Bishop and many priests concelebrating. I believe that from this pilgrimage we brought home something precious: Mary called us together to celebrate an entire people and our 50 years of Fede e Luce; Jesus and Mary were with us during those days, bringing love, faith, and hope. A shared journey—hope that does not disappoint. Thank you all; it was beautiful to meet again. Long live Fede e Luce!
Nora Buccheri (Gratosoglio – Milan)
Nora Buccheri (community reporter) and Raul Izquierdo Garcia (international coordinator) at the Fede e Luce pilgrimage in Pompei
In my life for 50 years
Fede e Luce has been part of my life for almost 50 years. It was Christmas 1978 when Beatrice—known as Bice—the mother of Rita, invited me to take part in the Christmas celebration at the theater of the parish of Santa Silvia. Santa Silvia—the group of Mariangela Bertolini, the far-sighted founder of Fede e Luce. During that celebration, my entire family was introduced by Anna Cece to what Fede e Luce was—and still is. That meeting and that conversation changed not only my life but the life of the entire Colangione family. In other words, it was like a marriage: FL married Colangione, and Colangione married FL.
Marco Colangione (Rome)
People can make the difference
I was deeply struck by the story of Fede e Luce, told and shown through a video: I sensed the hard work and the great commitment carried forward over all these years, since its very beginning. Fifty years of love and solidarity. We were a group of people of different nationalities, and many shared their experiences with Fede e Luce. One afternoon, we could choose whether to visit the excavations of Pompei or stay at the hotel for a cooking workshop. I chose to visit the site. It wasn’t easy to walk along the ancient streets, but it was possible thanks to the area being equipped for wheelchair users. At the Colosseum, for example, this would be unthinkable! I really enjoyed the archaeological site and recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet—it’s truly worth it. One of the many beautiful aspects of these gatherings is that each time we tackle new themes, shared in a circle where everyone can tell their own reflections and personal experiences. It was a journey full of emotions, unexpected events, encounters, and beauty. An experience that once again showed how strong and alive the Fede e Luce community is, capable of welcoming everyone and overcoming every barrier. A special thought goes to Antonio Piscitelli, who—with his sensitivity and availability—accompanied us with love on this journey. His commitment is a concrete demonstration of how people can make a difference, capable of giving of themselves effortlessly, in a spontaneous and natural way.
Federico Fucili (Rome)
Federico (right) and Lorenzo at the Pompei excavations
Will you tell it?
Some by plane, some by train, some by coach, some by car—we all arrived in Pompei, a very welcoming city. Around 500 of us gathered from Italy and abroad. Each community had its own banner to be recognized, and each region wore a scarf of a different color—an entire rainbow! So many smiles, so many hugs; how wonderful it was to meet again, each with our own struggles and experiences, each with the desire to be together and to discover new things. I returned energized and renewed; I wanted to see many long-time friends again, and on these occasions you also make many new friendships. The Fede e Luce family grows; my expectations were fulfilled. Meeting again to compare, exchange ideas, stay up to date: in small things you see great things. Even those who came to the pilgrimage for the first time discovered new things, saw a reality that you can’t fully grasp just by hearing about it—you have to live it.
Flora Atlante (Cesano Boscone – Milan)
It’s not the place that matters, but meeting
We usually go on pilgrimage to holy places and/or places dedicated to someone. We go with dear companions, of course, but the pilgrimage is “reserved” for the location or the saint or blessed of the moment. The Fede e Luce pilgrimage we have just taken part in, instead, is conceived about every ten years to meet someone again: those you saw and embraced many years ago, spoke with, looked into the eyes of up close, ate with, prayed with. You learned about their struggles or shared your own and received attention and understanding. You see again—and can embrace—the fragile members of the communities who recognize you and offer you a smile and a disarming look, because their sensitivity paints you, in their eyes, as someone who accepts them and loves them. And the days become full and dense with activities with old and new friends: the place where you meet almost doesn’t matter—always worthy of great respect and beautiful to see—but rather the joyful being together. At the end of just four days of activities, it will seem as if you have always known the person or people with whom you spoke and lived for such a short time. You will feel as if you have been “filled up” with messages of love and joy, and you will carry a sense of longing for those moments into the days and weeks ahead. And it will be enough to wait for the next meeting to instantly awaken the fullness of those moments and desire them again!
Giuseppe Domanico (Bari)
Some Fede e Luce pilgrims in Pompei
A few weeks later…
Returning to an FL pilgrimage felt like taking a dip in the fountain of youth. I rediscovered faces, emotions, joys that were old and yet brand new. And today, during Mass, I also found the answer to the third question of our sharing moment (“Have you ever experienced the joy of the Magnificat, the joy of seeing God at work?” ed.). I felt that vast, indescribable, almost unmotivated joy—at the same time overwhelming and unstoppable—while looking into the eyes of my friends, both those who are visibly fragile and those whose fragility is more hidden. There was a light, a sparkle that made everything transparent and allowed the soul to be glimpsed—that beauty each of us carries and that sometimes only Jesus knows how to see. I saw it in broad smiles, sometimes a bit crooked, smiles stretching from ear to ear and straight to the heart. There it was: I felt the joy of seeing the light of God, His action, His love. I have taken part in many pilgrimages, but never have I felt my throat tighten so often and tears blur my eyes— even now, as I write. I embrace everyone with immense love and gratitude.
Elena (Milan)
