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Finally we had some relief from the heat with some breeze. Since the beginning of August, it has been extremely hot. Think about our guys working under the sun all day! It has been good for them, and I do not hear much complaining. It is just the way it is, and they know. Lately it has been a confirmation that the more we ask of the guys the more they respond. It is a joy to see. They were desperate, without life, and most of the parents were not able to make them do anything. Now in Community they learn how to sacrifice with work or listening the others, how to be patient and do what they do not like to do. At one point they begin to like it, and it is amazing to see. More and more we live in a society that puts pressure on the wrong things, but with no moral, no values, and does not teach in any way the importance of sacrifice. There is a beautiful DVD that I have available of Father Stefano at a meeting with the English speaking people that really talks beautifully about it. If you want a copy, I can make it for you! 
At our houses life continues very well with plenty of work to do. At Santa Maria Goretti we are seeing very much all the fruit of the work of the guys coming together. We are really on the final rush. We are pouring all the sidewalk and courtyard with cement. We will finish the stucco outside on the two outbuildings and add a back porch and finish all the detail. We have sent also Paul and Allen to help to bring the guys working there to ten. Giacinto and Chris are working on two mosaics that will be beautiful when they are finished. Can't wait to see everything done!
At OLOH we will be focusing on the Festival now, beginning to assembly our big tent (good luck!) None of those that worked on the project last year are here, so it will be a new ball game and a new challenge. Good thing that Angel's father (the mind of the tent) already said that he is coming at the beginning of September to help us out. It is nice to see families really try to be involved to help the Community in what they can do. We are very grateful.
But we see also a lot of families that are taking everything for granted, saying it is our responsibility to do everything. Also they do not change in anything. No change in life style, and they don't give to the Community. It is very easy to blame everything on the son or daughter and hope the Community will fix their problems. We live in the richest country of the world, and we have plenty of resources. Think of how much you spent in rehabs. But many families do not give to the Community here or they give only once in a while. The Community gives you an opportunity to come out of yourself, step up, and help. At this point, we have 40 people in Florida and almost the equivalent overseas. The families in Europe take care of providing Providence for all the needs of all the Americans there, along with many other son and daughters from many countries that do not have as much as we have here. 
There are so many young people outside that want to enter Community and many times we have to say "no" because we do not have space. Please step up and help. We are not done with our projects, and we already need to expand. Remember that every one of you can be used by God as Providence for other people. Where would your son or daughter be if the Community didn't accept them because we did not have space at all? The conversion that the Community asks you to do means change in your life. Your sons and daughters need to see that you are changing and are different. Remember if you begin to detach from things, you will be happy. In Community Mother Elvira now makes us pray the third mystery of the rosary for the detachment from material things!
Christoph and Blake are back from their visit home to their own moms who have cancer. They are behaving like men, facing the reality of the situation with faith and trust in God, and are joined by all the Community with many prayers. 
A lot of people are asking about the retreat and Festival. The dates are set for the October 26-28. Make your reservations to return home on the 29th because the retreat ends very late on the 28th. We do not have yet the location of the retreat, but we will figure out something. Just do not panic and begin to learn how to trust that God's Providence takes care of the unexpected, unpredictable, and the Community. We live it every day!
This past Saturday we had an annual soccer game between the guys in Community and the former members. The formers lost 9-4 --it has been the tradition for many years!
Our great friend of the Community, Bishop Robert Baker, was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI to be Bishop of Birmingham, Alabama. As you know, EWTN is there, so it was an important and sensitive place. Our prayers are with him for these new challenges!
As you know Peru was affected from a powerful earthquake, but thank God, our Community houses were not affected! Please pray for all the people that were badly affected.
In Italy we are preparing for the opening of a new house at Loretto (central Italy). It will be open just before the Pope will visit the sanctuary on September 2. In Medjugorje the guys did the show "Be Not Afraid" in front of 30,000 youth. It was an incredible message! They will repeat it in Austria in mid-September for the 10th anniversary of the Community house in Austria.
Grazie
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