This is the testimony of Elena and Marcello, and their 4 children, who have been affected by the flood that hit Emilia-Romagna. They are responsible for the project “Le Querce della Porrettaccia” of the Ignatian Family Network, and since 2021 they have formed part of the board of the Centre for Ignatian Spirituality as guides of the Spiritual Exercises for Families.

On Monday at lunchtime a danger warning was transmitted through social media. They would close educational services and schools. ‘It rained intermittently from that night to Wednesday at lunchtime,’ Elena said. She is married to Marcello, with 4 children, and since 2006 they have been involved in a shelter project ‘Le Querce della Porrettaccia’ in Predappio Alta, 20 km from Forlì.

The country house owned by Marcello’s family had been redesigned and had gradually become a space for people and families in need or in search of shelter, facing the challenge of sharing. “The first landslide on the hillside occurred as early as Tuesday during lunchtime, while in the valley the danger warning was set off that the rivers were flooding. Since Tuesday evening, we have been without electricity and telephone lines. But we, and only we, have never lacked water. In the valley, water is still being supplied by tank trucks.

From Wednesday onwards, there were tremors everywhere. I was evacuated by a Civil Defence bus down the valley. This time, unlike 23 years ago in Kosovo, I was not sitting on the side of the rescuers, but on the side of those in need of help. I prayed throughout the journey to entrust my fear to the Lord, passing through a dark valley with ravines that had opened in the earth, the mud covering the road for long stretches, as the bus tried to bypass the cliffs. I prayed that He would lead us to the valley floor, over grassy pastures and still waters, my favourite psalm.

Read more: Naming the feelings - An unimaginable change - Choosing the essentials – Consolations - “The Lord precedes us” - Recollections

Jesuits EUM