Some time ago, I received a call from Genoa. A group of young couples invited me to speak at one of what they call a ‘family weekend’. My immediate reaction was to decline. I had too many commitments, and besides, the night before I had already agreed to take part – and give a talk – at a conference in memory of Chiara Lubich. It was the very day of her death. Given that the invitation from Genoa was for Sunday morning, a polite refusal seemed more than justified. However, as the conversation continued, I found myself increasingly amazed and intrigued by what was being proposed. It was – and still is – an initiative taken by young couples who organize these weekends in various parts of Liguria, with the aim of encouraging participation from people living in a variety of locations across this stretch of land. And, moreover, what convinced me most was the genuine enthusiasm with which they spoke to me. They were passionate about what they were doing, were seeing positive results and, above all, were creating something new within the tradition of the Focolare Movement.

They had structured the various events around one of the senses – indeed, the five senses: hearing, taste, touch, sight and smell – offering content from experts in psychology, spirituality, social life, relationships, and so on. There were plenty of moments of spirituality, and the meetings were open to everyone: absolutely everyone. Young and old, couples and singles, believers, those of other faiths, and non-believers. In short, a cross-section of society keen to experience a ‘family weekend’. As far as I was concerned, given the difficulty of getting there on Sunday morning, they were willing to pick me up in La Spezia to then head to Sestri Levante and thus be fresh the following morning. And so it was. I accepted. Even the trains gave me a helping hand: perfect punctuality, with connections fitting together perfectly during the few minutes’ layover, and I was picked up in La Spezia just after 11 pm. By midnight I was at my destination.

The next morning, I realized I’d done the right thing in accepting. At breakfast, I immediately met up with old friends – some of whom I hadn’t seen since 1980 – and made new ones: young people, not-so-young people, those of a different generation, and then breastfeeding mums, people who’d come out of curiosity, and founding members of the Focolare. We began with a few spiritual reflections, offered by the couple leading the program: all delivered with quiet conviction, without impositions or dogmatism. A magician – already well known from the previous evening – took the younger children away, and the hall resumed the proceedings from the day before. The theme was the sense of smell – or perhaps, better said, scent – which had been explored in depth by a psychologist and then experienced in workshops and, for those brave enough, on an excursion amidst the landscapes and scents of the Ligurian Riviera, which offers truly breathtaking scenery and a variety of smells. All in a truly family-like atmosphere. I hadn’t experienced anything like it in a long time.

And so I found myself on stage recounting my thirty years’ experience in India, highlighting how the senses are precious tools for dialogue and offer unique pathways into the soul of a culture. I paid close attention to the PowerPoint presentation I had prepared, trying to capture at least the attention of those present. At the end, questions followed: an hour passed without my even realizing it. During the coffee break, one conversation after another, not just about India or its culture, but also about significant personal matters: crises, separations, serious illnesses. In the hour that followed, with courage and without any pretence, several people from Liguria – four young people and a man in his sixties – came forward; they have passed away in recent years, leaving behind a spiritual ‘legacy’ of friendship, values, an example of how to live life and, for some, even of holiness. In fact, for two of them, who passed away just a few days apart in 1980, a cause for beatification is currently underway.

I speak the truth and do not exaggerate: I left feeling rejuvenated by the ‘family weekend’.  Proof that a charism, when lived out, can generate creativity and spiritual depth alongside human charm.

(Source: Why don’t dialog – Roberto Catalano © Reproduction forbidden)