A book that can be downloaded free of charge from the Loppiano website to reach all 679 donors with the gratitude of the inhabitants. With their generosity, they contributed to the restoration of the Maria Theotokos shrine in Loppiano after the whirlwind of 18 August 2022. We talk about it with the author of the text, Paolo Loriga, journalist and resident of the little town.
Paolo, how did this book come about?
‘On 22 August 2022, just a few days after the whirlwind, 40 bank transfers had already arrived in Loppiano with the reason for payment specifying the desire to contribute to the reconstruction of Theotokos. It all happened spontaneously, without having started a real fundraising campaign, but it was the consequence of the generosity of those who love the little town and were saddened by what had happened. This surprised us and continued to surprise us throughout the following period. There were 679 donors from all over the world. We got to know them through the few bank details they provided: many were individuals but there were also groups that organised local fundraising activities to be able to contribute more substantially. So, when the restoration was finished, we had the idea of writing this book, as a gesture of gratitude to all the donors who we couldn’t otherwise reach, and to transparently account for the sums received».
What does ‘The amazing response’ tell?
«The booklet intertwines four stories. The first is the story of the fury of the wind that caused such devastating damage. We explain the precise causes with interviews with experts. Then, we illustrate the study carried out to understand how to make the new roof more secure, having realised that the initial construction criteria were no longer adequate to the effects of the climate crisis, with the frequent occurrence of events considered extreme.
The second story is that of the inhabitants of Loppiano who went from dismay to prayer, to trust and to the work of reconstruction.
The third story is the restoration of the roof and the attic, with the collaboration of a team of experts and the establishment of a commission of technicians independent of Loppiano.
The last story is that of the love between the donors, the little town and Theotokos. As we told the story of what was happening through our means of communication, we realised how much the Marian shrine was in the hearts of so many people».
The book has a special dedication…
‘It is dedicated to Emilio Zandonella, a Focolarino from Belluno, who was part of the Technical team of Loppiano, and one of the architects of the reconstruction of the roof of the Theotokos shrine. Emilio suddenly departed for Heaven on 12 April 2024, while the book was being completed. I would have liked him to review the first draft, but it was not possible. We wanted to remember him as one of the main characters in this extraordinary adventure!
Is the book available free of charge?
‘Yes! In the hope of reaching all our donors, with the collaboration of Città Nuova, we have printed a few hundred copies in Italian that are available at the entrance to Theotokos. But now we are making copies available to download in PDF format, in Italian and English, on our website. This latest version has been edited by Frank Johnson. This attention emphasises the infinite gratitude of the inhabitants that the text of the booklet summarises and expresses.
So, all that remains is for us to say: happy reading everyone!