We just got back few days ago from Italy and lived a great Festival of Life in Saluzzo. No words can describe what we experienced on top of the hill of Saluzzo, celebrating the 29th anniversary of the opening of Comunita Cenacolo. We had four days of intense prayer, catechesis, Eucharistic healing service, skits, testimonies, and a great biblical drama at night. 
It is difficult to put everything in words to describe the feelings and emotions of the moment! For me, it is like going back to a very large family reunion. I am able to be with many people that shared such a special time of my life—a time that changed my life completely. For many of us, our life in Community was a unique gift that totally transformed our life.
To make it even more special, this year two of our guys from Community were ordained to the priesthood: Father Eugenio and Father Michel. Eugenio came in very broken and lost, like almost all of us. Michel was drawn to the life of Cenacolo. His sister is one of our consecrated sisters.
Also, it was a joy to see the great service given by our guys to so many people. The organization and quality of the all Festival always makes me realize how much the Community has grown and is such a special work of God! It is a miracle to see what has happened all these years in the old, abandoned Italian villa on the hill—since the moment Sister Elvira said, “Yes,” with great courage to obey the inspiration of the Holy Spirit step by step, without knowing where it would take her!
We were blessed to have about 70 American family members go to Italy for the Festival of Life. I think it’s the most we ever had going to the Festival. Adding all the guys and girls that were there already, we had a pretty big group. I had a chance to see almost everyone of the guys and girls that are in different houses over there, and it is nice to see the change taking place in their lives! Pray that they continue and that it goes deep.
For sure, the highlight of the Festival was the ordination of two of our guys! Another blessing was presence of the Cardinal of Lyon, France, and the Archbishop of Tarragona, Spain. There were so many priests from many different places who came also. There are more and more each year.
This year the theme was true friendship, and the guys and girls did a great show Friday night, showing the real meaning of true friendship that we learn in Community. Saturday night was the Biblical drama “Credo,” which means both the “Creed” and “I believe.” I had seen it already many time, but it is always very powerful. It’s so professional made that can be shown anywhere. We keep trying to see if we can bring it to the States! 
On Monday, most of the guys, girls, and all the English-speaking and Latin American group where able to participate to the first Mass of Father Eugenio and Father Michel. It was so special and emotional for me because I’ve known them from so many years! After lunch, in one of the big rooms of the Community in Saluzzo, we had a good meeting for the English-speaking group, and we heard some very good testimonies and wise words from Father Stefano! After that, it was time to say good-bye. It was time for hugs and tears, this time of joy after very special time! Some of the parents continued their trip to Loreto, where they visited our Community house. Then they went to Assisi and Rome, and they just got back few days ago! 
Now the families all back in the States. For us, it is time to start to prepare for our Parents and Families Retreat and Festival of Life this year, which will be this Friday, 19-Sunday 21 October. This year is our 20th ANNIVERSARY of Comunita Cenacolo America!!! Events begin for ALL FAMILIES at 9:00 a.m, with registration at 8:30 a.m. Mark your calendar!       

Grazie,
Albino

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