The idea of creating a musical had been in my head for some time, but I didn't know how to get this project out and make it happen materially: it was unthinkable with the few tools I had.
For a series of "fortuitous" cases, I met Father Massimiliano Dragani and his oratory of "Pius XI". I joined the group as a "choreographer" for a musical and then, after a trip to the Holy Land, Fr Massimiliano proposed I participate as a volunteer of the Civil Service in the oratory.
I started the service in January 2020 at the Salesian Institute Pius XI together with Giulia. We immediately took up the challenge, got involved, especially with teenagers, through recreational activities and workshops. There were certainly no lack of moments of consolation, comfort and discussion with them, which helped us to tiptoe into their lives, sometimes so dramatic.
The more the days passed, the more I felt I was experiencing the period of adolescence first hand, that period of total insecurity. Every day at 15:30 I went out of the house to go to the oratory with an emotional baggage and a great certainty: to accompany the kids facing these questions. Aware of not being able to answer for them, but of being able to accompany them.
When the first emergency decree came out, we started going around the parks in the area to be able to play with the youngsters, have a chat and bring them a snack ... in other words, not to abandon them. Unfortunately, this project of ours lasted only a few days, because subsequently a new decree was issued which did not allow us to leave our homes.
We found ourselves remodeling our project, without leaving home but to continue with our work at "heart." We have equipped ourselves with online platforms to be able to hear the boys.
Every Sunday we find ourselves on Zoom, after Mass in streaming, for a reflection together on the Gospel, while on the other days of the week we launch some challenges, various group activities and workshops. The young respond positively to these meetings because they are a fun, but constructive way to cultivate our relationships, to get involved and, I would add, to remain joyful and united even in the hardest moments. The most beautiful thing is that it has also become the certainty of a Presence.
This period I think is a unique growth opportunity. We were given this opportunity to rediscover the beauty of everything that we took for granted before.
I thank the Lord every day for allowing me to become a volunteer of the Civil Service, which allowed me to renew my faith through heartfelt education.
