Summer retreat organized by the Teresian Association in Letojanni, in the province of Messina.
This year, the summer retreat for families and educators, organized by the Teresian Association in Italy, took place in Letojanni, a pleasant coastal town in the province of Messina, near Taormina. About eighty people, with children of all ages, participated in the gathering.
The dream of those who organized these three days of formation and fellowship was precisely to spend time together, dedicating moments of dialogue and participation on some aspects related to “parenthood” in today's world.
For this, the psychotherapist Alberto Pellai was invited as a speaker, along with his wife Barbara Tamborini, an educational psychologist, both authors of numerous illustrated books and popular essays dedicated to the world of childhood and adolescence.
Members of the TA and several families who have been linked to the Association for many years, such as those of the “MIT giovani” of the 2000s, responded to the invitation, as did families who are friends and have recently become acquainted with the Association. The days were marked by moments of reflection, prayer, and free time to allow for greater mutual understanding and sharing.
Seeing the diversity of participants, Fiorella Gargano, Sector Director of the Association in Italy, said: “The complete Work, as Pedro Poveda had dreamed it, has truly manifested itself in these days.”
Testimonies of gratitude
The most repeated word in the final reflections was “thank you”: “Thank you for the richness of the moments we shared together, thank you for the people we met and those we reconnected with,” said Alessia. “Thank you for the gift of children, hope for the future, and for an increasingly beautiful and fraternal world,” said Maria Macli.
“The words that I carry most in my heart are Thank you and Community. Thank you to all of you who have made these days special... Community because it had been a long time since I had the joy of feeling part of a community that shares and supports, that weaves bonds and does not make you feel alone in difficulties, especially in this wonderful but complex adventure that is motherhood,” shared Sonia.
"Thank you for making us part of this wonderful experience. A huge thank you to the organizers who made it possible. We feel more and more like part of this big family that welcomes everyone with love and openness.”
Finally, we returned to our homes with a new look on our faces, shining with a new light, aware that we are “little seeds of hope and bearers of joy,” say Emanuela, Daniela, and Valentina.
TA - Italy.
TA Translation Team.
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