The ‘We’ that takes you aback: Fr Mattia and Emanuele Fant’s theatre
The opening on Saturday impressed the heart and mind. Emanuele Fant, teacher and artist, broke the ice by transforming the stage into a classroom and the classroom into a theatre: a lesson-show that challenged those present without ever boring them.
Immediately afterwards, the floor was given to Fr Mattia Ferrari, chaplain of the “Mediterranea Saving Humans” NGO, which is involved in rescuing migrants at sea. He spoke constantly in the plural: a constant “we” that comes from prayer and real work among the waves. At the heart of his address were two symbols that leave no room for escape: the Eucharist and the Cross of Christ, experienced not as abstract concepts, but as compasses for those who choose to stand with the least among us.
Four Women: When Peace has the face of courage
On Sunday morning, 8 March, International Women’s Day, the ‘Peace Builders’ round table presented four testimonies from women that left the audience glued to their seats. Moderated by Fabio Carminati, journalist for Avvenire, four women talked about how to build a peaceful tomorrow:
Daniela Pompei, head of the Community of Sant’Egidio and “mastermind” of the Humanitarian Corridors, recalled that security comes from legal reception and that integration is a never-ending process.
Gemma Flaha, a Syrian dentist who arrived in Italy through the Humanitarian Corridors, recounted the effort and humility of having to start from scratch, returning to school to rebuild her identity and dignity.
Lucia D’Anna, an Italian cellist living in Jerusalem, testified via video link how music can be a ‘cultural bridge’ and a neutral space where even those educated to hate can recognise themselves as human beings.
Finally, Sara Sechi, Executive Secretary of ‘Don Bosco International’, illustrated her commitment to bringing messages and perspectives of peace to the corridors of power in the European Parliament, transforming the Salesian charism into concrete legislative proposals for the rights of minors and young people.
A desire that does not end here
Between the courtyards of the Salesian Institute and the homes of the Brescian families who hosted the young people, the atmosphere was as serious as it was fraternal. Many questions arose, but there was also a strong desire not to stop at the surface and, above all, a desire to listen more.
As Rector of the Salesian work in Brescia, Fr Damiano Galbusera recalled, ‘Violence surprises us when it is “big”, but we often do not notice how it attacks our hearts in words, on social media and in silences. Like Isaiah’s “Suffering Servant”, we are called not to respond to violence with the same coin, so as not to set its mechanism in motion again. The message of the Forum is this: take a chance on forgiveness.’
Judging by the looks on the young people’s faces after Mass and the Vigil animated by the SYM Choir, the lesson was learned: peace is not a diplomatic option, but a daily choice of ’disobeying resignation‘. And that ’exchanging a sign of peace’ has never had a more serious flavour.
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