Festival of Life

The retreat and Festival are over, but our hearts are full of joy about what we lived over the weekend. I do not know where to start, but I can begin to say thanks to our Father Stefano who made the effort to fly overnight from Argentina for the to be here for the weekend. By the way he was sick, running a fever. He for sure brought to the weekend a different flavor. We were grateful that so many parents came to the retreat and had a chance to feel the Holy Spirit that was in the air! The weather wasn't great, but God took care of the weather and allowed us to do what we had to do. The Festival on Sunday really was beautiful, and the wind blowing made it even more interesting. The weather for sure scared some people, but we were happy because God kept the bad rain away. On Monday the wind was twice as strong at the Farm and the rain was pouring. The guys and the girls did a great job with music, singing, dancing and everything else they did. Everything went pretty smooth, and we could feel the spirit of joy in the air. The people participating really had made the day very special!

We are grateful that Bishop Galeone again came to celebrate Mass for us. With his very busy schedule, he makes the time for the Festival every year.

Bishop Snyder baptized little Mary Elizabeth Faustina, our newest cenacolina, who was born to Sean and Elaine after many years of praying for a baby. We were all so happy for them!

In the evening we had the show "Rich in Mercy," and it was a miracle that we were able to do it because the weather and the rain were not helping. We had some technical problems, but the guys persevered. They were determined, and we are proud of all them for all their hard work.

In the end Father Stefano spoke about the resurrection of each one of us. We were dead, and now we are alive.
For all of us, this is because of God's mercy, and we don't want to ever forget it. The day finished, and we hope and pray that everyone really left with their heart full of hope because they saw what the Lord can do with those that once were broken completely with their in pieces. Now they rejoice with God. Nothing is impossible for God!

On Monday we had an incredible weather wind 40 miles an hour and rained like crazy. We all met under the tent, and Father Stefano spoke to the guys about the need for our heart and our thinking to change from the way of world to God's way. He talked about the real way to live Community and what it means for the rest of our lives if we just go through the Community without really changing on the inside. Later Father Stefano celebrated Mass. Then he gave the Community blessing to all the guys that have more then 3 years of time in Community. It was a special to see how many guys were there kneeling at the altar. For once they started something and completed it.

The Community does not end there if we have really become what the Community proposed to us. It always goes on, whether we are in the Community or outside of it, because it is who we become. What we learned in Community does not the end ever! The guys that had received the blessing are: Michael W., Jorge A., Marco M., Ernesto, Jason, Dan N., Christoph, Michele, Giacinto, Blake, David C. I was happy to see it because I saw all the Americans enter, and I remember very well how they were.

Father Stefano ended his visit on Monday with a visit to the girls' house, and he promised to prepare the group of girls that will come to open the house sometime hopefully soon. On Tuesday he celebrated Mass at Mary Immaculate because he wanted to see the house there and what is going on with all the work that has been done. Then he was off to the mission in Peru. He never stops.

I want to thank in a special way all those that had helped with the Festival. The parents from far away and local people all put so much time to make this happen. Thank you to everyone that helped the Community with Providence. Most of all we thank God for all His love, everything He does for us, and how faithful He is to His children!

Lets also remember all our saints and the souls that have departed before us especially all those we have loved, family members and friends!

Grazie, grazie, grazie!
Ciao

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