Saturday was a really beautiful day for myself and my family. Thanks to Paul and Guido, both who organized the Exhibit of the life of Fr. Giussani in Los Angeles. When Paul asked if there was someone available to help present the exhibit, I thought of Paolo, who gave his availability, for which I am also grateful. In fact, he said yes immediately, “even if only you and the children will listen to me.” We took off in the car with our new friends Serena and Daniele, and amist the ton of traffic Paolo chewed me out because we were late. After the memorial mass for Fr. Giussani, Paolo began to speak about Giussani, describing his childhood, recounting the story of his mother and how, early in the morning, looking at the last star she said, “How beautiful is the world, and how great is God!”

As I as watching Paolo talk, describing the panels, with Guido at my side and friends all around listening, I was moved. I was thinking of the 5 of us, ending up here in California-who would have imagined! It is the Lord who has accompanied us, continually taking us by the hand, through these friends and through is mercy.

Paolo spoke of Fr. Giussani, of the love that he know how to give to his students, which was the same love he had for Jesus, which was the same love he felt Jesus had for him, which allowed his life certain, to be serene. This is why he wanted to present the exhibit.

After a few panels, Guido took Giovanni to carry him for a bit. Paolo spoke and looked, and the words that he was saying were describing the present, not just the past life of Giussani. Then, after a few more panels, he asked Guido to continue with the exhibit. It wasn’t that he didn’t know what to say; you could see it in his face, it was because he too was moved.