From July 8 to 28, the citadel hosted the first event of the “Loppiano Family Experience”: a three week immersion into the life of the Loreto School and Loppiano, attended by 22 families from various parts of the world.
“The idea was born from the desire of many families who wanted to have an in-depth experience of the charism of unity and later become leaders for other families, but who found it difficult to take a year off from work for their own formation, as is required, for example, to attend the year-long Loreto School,” explains Maria Salerno from the Secretariat of the New Families Movement. Thus, by turning the obstacle into a springboard, a team made up of around twenty families and various helpers began to envision a new proposal: the ‘Loppiano Family Experience,’ a short and international school where, during the three-week course, participants can experience the formation and life that takes place throughout the year at the Loreto School for families.”
Unexpectedly, participation requests poured in, and the available spots filled up long before the registration deadline. Thus, on July 8, 22 families arrived in Loppiano from Jordan, Gabon, Korea, Mexico, Paraguay, Colombia, Brazil, Spain, Slovakia, and Germany.
“In the program, we alternated moments of deepening the spirituality of unity with topics relevant to the family,” explains Maria. “Communication, sexuality, child education, bioethical issues. Then, elements of our pastoral care, such as New Families, and the training packages for supporting engaged couples, newlyweds, and young couples.”
There was also plenty of space for spontaneous dialogue, personal conversations, and opportunities for families to get to know one another.
Among the highlights was the in-depth session on the sacrament of Marriage led by Don Carlo Seno of Vinea Mea. It was greatly appreciated by all because it revitalized couples, reminding them of the grace that accompanies the sacrament and which we can always draw upon, especially in times of difficulty,” recalled Maria Salerno.
Around 40 children, ranging from 6 months to 22 years old, shared the “Loppiano Family Experience” with their parents. Age-appropriate programs were prepared for them, including sports, craft, and cooking workshops. Common activities included exploring the citadel: from Gen Verde to Gen Rosso, from Polo Lionello to art workshops, from the farm to Theotokos. And then, free-spirited tourism, with visits to nearby Tuscan art cities like Florence and Arezzo.
One last special moment took place on the Saturday before departure. Yura, a three-year-old South Korean girl born during the Covid period, received the sacrament of Baptism, fulfilling her parents’ dream of having her baptized in the Maria Theotokos shrine.
“The three weeks spent with you in Loppiano were wonderful. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the love and warmth you showed us from the moment we arrived until our departure,” wrote a family from Jordan at the end of the experience. “Please keep us, Arab Christians, in your prayers!”
A Korean couple also shared their thoughts: “With Loppiano’s splendid nature, going beyond the language barrier, we experienced that we can all become one big family!”
Tutte le famiglie sono ripartite con il grande desiderio di portare quanto vissuto a Loppiano alle famiglie nei propri Paesi. Insomma, si direbbe: esperimento riuscito!