We have been called through a human encounter that has placed us in the life of the Body of Christ, in a communion made up of those who, as Giussani said, have “chosen to see, who accept to look, who listen as they can, who plod on as they can, all sinners, loved by the Mystery.”

We, too, have been chosen to see and we have had to accept to look. In fact, nothing happens without our freedom. Even in the acknowledgement of love received, our freedom is at play. Certainly, it is a freedom moved by the power of a superabundance, an attraction, because otherwise it would be incapable of taking steps, but it must in any case engage. But pay attention here: it is not enough to say our yes once. Just as Christ lovingly asked Peter to say his yes three times, so we have to repeat our yes to His love a hundred, a thousand times, every day. “Do you love Me?’’ [Francesco Cassese, Called, that is, sent: the beginning of mission, Beginning Day 2024]

Claudia, Sydney.

Some of the most precious and meaningful memories from my time in Sydney are the encounters that profoundly shaped me. In particular, I think of a couple of European friends I met at university, and several families from the movement who welcomed me into their homes as if I were their own daughter or sister.
From the very beginning, I was struck by the enthusiasm and vitality of my university friends. Their passion for life awakened in me a renewed curiosity about the world and all its aspects. This led us into deep and challenging conversations, about politics, sexuality, faith… But in those moments, I quickly realized how fragile my faith was.
Faced with their questions and convictions , mine seemed abstract, almost theoretical. I didn’t know how to express what I had encountered, how to communicate the reason for my hope. This realization became the decisive point of my entire experience. It was a moment of crisis that awakened in me the desire for a faith that was more certain, more deeply rooted in my life.
For this, I am especially grateful to my friends from the movement. They became a place where I could return, a companionship that allowed me to start again, to grow, and to flourish precisely within that struggle.

Davide, Sydney.

Since I had long wanted to come to Australia, after completing my bachelor's degree I decided to take a break from study. I chose Australia because I wanted to work in an English-speaking country to improve my spoken English. Additionally, as someone passionate about nature and animals, I was eager to explore the country’s many wonders.
As soon as I arrived in Sydney, I felt lost and immediately felt the need to connect with a community. Within my first few days there, I met Benedetto, and also Andrea and his family. Despite never having met them before, I felt instantly welcomed.
For three months, I worked on a farm three hours' drive from Sydney and, while I didn’t enjoy the work, but I completed the job with persistence and determination. During those months, I was able to visit Sydney to see friends from the community. I will never forget the joy I felt on those days.
This experience helped me grow significantly. I have become more self-aware and more conscious of my limits. Most importantly, I learned to ask for help during difficult times, knowing that the friendships I formed were not merely coincidental.

Read also:
Memories Of Australia - Part 1


Memories of Australia - Part 2


Memories Of Australia - Part 3