Blessing Preparation Workshop in Italy

talian BFD organized a 2-day Blessing preparation definition of purity, I Workshop for second generation members (17+ age) and their parents. There were around 60 and the parallel ceremonies of participants, 40 second generation members forgiveness. including some already matched couples, 15 It has been a very parents, and other 2nd gen. that came as staff. It has valuable and been a pretty short workshop of one and a half days, enjoyable workshop, with its “pros and cons”. In fact, this allowed the also thanks to the price to be moderate and many people, more exciting atmosphere parents than usual, to join in despite their busy that was created schedules; but the usual content had to be limited. through the singing We are very and the break times grateful to the used for chatting and main lecturer, sharing, walking in Geros Kunkel, the beautiful Colle who picked the Mattia. The evening basic points to schedule included three testimonies of very explain in this different Matching experiences, given by David and amount of time. Valentina Gasperoni, the representative 2nd gen Elisabetta Calì and Geros Kunkel After describing couple responsible for BFD in Italy, Elisabetta Calì, the Blessing in wife of our National Leader and responsible for BFD terms of Restoration, starting from the Fall and in Italy, and Martin Alexy, representing the ESGD mentioning the key figures in God’s providence to committee in Italy. Very appreciated were also the purify human lineage, he then gave an overview on discussion time, during which we were divided in the Blessing ceremony for the first generation. The three groups: parents, second generation boys, and next lecture covered the history of Matching and second generation girls. Blessing for second generation, from the beginning On the second day Martin Alexy explained us the to the Parents Matching, explaining True Father’s structure of ESGD and BFD, and could share some of position of mediator between God’s Ideal and us. He his own experiences as a parent who is looking for concluded explaining the establishment of the CIG the best way to educate his children in this immoral standard which clarified and completed the world. Geros ended the lectures with the practical

issues concerning Matching and Blessing, and we Enrica and I were very surprised and looked at each finished with the Graduation. other, then we just smiled. We understood how our Here are some words from a 1st gen couple, Sergio children are more open to receive when they gather and Enrica Valgoi, who attended the workshop in such an environment. together with their daughter, Martina: […] It has been very interesting, as parents, to have “It had been a long time since we last were in Colle the chance to share some thoughts and reflections Mattia and as soon as we arrived we felt a beautiful about our children during the group discussion. welcoming atmosphere: there were so many young […]Our children are satisfied with meeting their people everywhere; it’s been a great opportunity brothers and sisters, but we want to make sure for us “elders” to refresh our spirit with new spring. we’re investing in their future and not just having a […] What was most beautiful to see was such a good time. We all want to improve and grow, happy and enthusiastic 2nd generation, representing despite some practical issues. What really matters in the fruit of the hard work and sacrifice of so many the end is that we can bring unity in our Unification families: we are glad we could meet many of them Family and, as a mother was saying, that we can also for the first time. Young people’s presence added joy feel our children are safely surrounded by many and energy to the meetings, and their investment in uncles and aunties who are willing to take care of the singing and could warm up our hearts every them and help them grow.” time. Thank you for the wonderful experience! […] During a break our daughter Martina told us: Edited by Francesca Cirelli “there are so many things you have never told me” IIgen. Department Leader in Italy