It was the end of October when, going back home by train, somebody invited me to try a new experience. I was asked to attend a raggio, a Thursday afternoon meeting during which we read a few pages from a book by Father Giussani. I accepted the invitation and joined the group at the school cafeteria. About one week after that first meeting, I fell ill. I was terrified, and the only thing I felt like doing was praying. Let me specify that I had not set foot in a church since the day of my Confirmation. But now I live with a Presence that helps me carry on. I did not allow the void to prevail. My faith has been growing day by day, filling my heart beyond expectations. I say my “yes” to Jesus, and to a growing gladness. The relationship with my mother used to be quite shaky, and now it is solid. Everything between us changed when she said to me, “Federica, we’ll face this together.” I believe this illness has been very fruitful; it has been of pivotal importance, because without it I would not have met Christ again. I believe that every cloud has a silver lining that we have to look for, and find. Thank heaven I was given this disease, which has allowed me to say again the “yes” I said in 2009, on the occasion of my Confirmation. He asked for my heart, and I have given it to Him. Now I attend Mass every Sunday, and during the week when possible, because I enter church burdened by my sorrow and I exit happy for having met Him.

Federica