Let’s go with burning hearts and enthusiasm to the opening of the Gathering.
The XIII edition of the International Gathering of the Teams of Our Lady has opened. It was an exciting and solemn moment that involved all the participants. In order, and thanks to the extraordinary help of the volunteers, the Opening Ceremony began at 4:10 PM, led by Gabriella and Achille Gallo from the Coordination Team of Turin 2024. Singers and young musicians performed, along with the flag bearers from Alba, followed by a beautiful parade with the flags of the over 80 countries present. Everyone sang the anthem with enthusiasm and passion.
Institutional greetings were delivered by the international leaders Clarita and Edgardo Bernal, who welcomed the couples from all over the world, and the Archbishop of Turin, Monsignor Roberto Repole, who stated, “You represent an answer to this question. Your movement testifies that there is a possible and joyful path for couples: it is the Christian life. Where Christ is missing, oxygen is missing. And that is why you lovingly care for the spiritual dimension: for the fundamental need of every couple, not just to look into each other’s eyes, but to look up to the source of life and love.”
Civil authorities were also present, including the Prefect of Turin, Donato Cafagna. The Deputy Mayor of the City of Turin, Michela Favaro, stated, “I am certain that this gathering in Turin, a city that is a laboratory of hospitality and solidarity and prioritizes the well-being of people and families today and tomorrow, will be an opportunity to strengthen bonds of fraternity, renew the commitment to live conjugal love as a vocation and mission, and contribute to the construction of a more just and fraternal world.” Regional Councilor Gian Luca Vignale recalled how “Piedmont, a land of great mountains, hills, and art treasures, and especially of social Saints…people who, driven by faith in the Lord and in providence, created institutions more than 200 years ago that helped people in need and families in difficulty.”
Finally, the words of the Pope, spoken by Francis during the private audience on May 4th to the leaders of the ERI, the moment of community prayer with the final blessing of Monsignor Alessandro Giraudo, Auxiliary Bishop of Turin.
© Ph. Renzo Bussio
