Lorenzo loves to fly up high. Since 1995 he is an airline pilot, now experienced and in responsibility. During his flights he loves to take pictures of the horizons that he can see above the clouds and post them in rotation on his whatsapp profile. Married, 3 children. An experience with the “Movement of family love” at a certain stage interrupted.

"I felt I was lacking times of encounter with the Lord. I was looking for retreats, pilgrimages for couples or families but I had not found any. I had discovered their importance in the movement. Then too many distractions had taken me further and further away: work, family, various commitments with the consequent change in our family relationships, both as husband and father.

Then a vacation in Selva di Val Gardena and a meeting with the Jesuits. A few months  later, at the parish I found one of them, who had come for a training meeting with parents of the scout group, of which my children are part. So I gradually learn about Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. I felt a strong urge to rediscover that daily relationship with the Lord that I was missing. I searched the web for more information. I discovered the different ways to experience them: as singles, couples, families, consecrated persons.

Family management did not allow us to experience them at first as a couple. My wife, understanding this strong desire of mine, encouraged me to experience them individually.

My work often takes me away. Taking 6 days off for this experience would have led me to stay further away, with a consequent sense of guilt. In December I had a long 4 days shift:  I decided to give it up and make those days into parental leave. I added one day of vacation and one of childbirth leave.

Villa San Giuseppe in Bologna is a fairly isolated structure with plenty outdoor space, for times of silence and peace. Accommodation is organized and very well cared for. I discovered there that we would remain in silence. I did not know and I was pleasantly impressed to be able to do without all the noises that distracted me every day. In the morning, in the Chapel, the meeting for Lauds. Everyone expressed their resonance on a word or a sentiment or what Scripture suggested.

In a hall our guide then introduced us to moments of prayer: 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.

I realized we were very different people gathered together: businessmen, couples, singles, priests, parish priests, nuns, consecrated persons. All together along the same path, along which each one walks in his or her uniqueness. At first there were perplexities and doubts, even my own. Then, always in silence, on the following days I met new looks, new gestures. The days literally flew by while I saw once again what the Lord had done for me, even when I did not know Him. I come from a disordered and distant life. I realized that He was always there waiting for me. I saw Him looking over  me, His outstretched hand, always welcoming and patient even after mistakes and falls. The moment I finally met His look and welcomed His hand, my life changed.

And this new look I brought home, a merciful look, that I felt on me and that He has on everyone. I also wanted my look to be the same. I remember that every person I met was wonderful to me. Every person pure, despite his mistakes. I would suggest everyone to make this experience: couples who cannot participate together, can join individually; and then I recommend it to young people. Without fear, especially at the beginning, in order to be able fly higher in this great adventure.