We are talking about many years ago, when choosing a school was not so motivated by values and principles that we now consider fundamental. At that time, the reasons were much more practical, linked to a sort of delegation of responsibility for education, but also to education and teaching of duty.
My memories are closely linked to my teacher, Sister Beniamina.
At the time, one person taught all the subjects. The class was very large and mixed, with both girls and boys.
I remember very well his severity—that bamboo stick that was used back then—but also his attention to the most fragile students. So you had to work hard to get the results he wanted.
The emphasis on duty was certainly high. I particularly remember
- the essential punctuality
- the orderliness of our uniforms, schoolbags, books, and school supplies
- the intolerance during tests for anyone who tried to give hints to the “unfortunate” student.
This also helped us to enter adult life. Rules, duty, and sacrifice are elements that have formed the basis of my character, helping me to achieve goals of considerable importance both in my personal and professional life, which has been intense and fruitful, managing commercial and industrial activities and sitting on the boards of directors of important companies, thus building up a strong and diverse background.
Unexpectedly and proudly, in 1991, I received recognition from the President of the Republic: Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Charity, a value of high priority for the sisters of St. Giovanna Antida, was passed on to me in a tangible way, supported also by the education I received from my family, especially from my mother.
This important value has allowed me to help those in need.
So, at the end of my intense working life, with a wealth of experience, lots of energy, and still a great desire to do things, I joined a small non-profit organization that had been in my parish for years but was practically unused.
I underwent appropriate training and founded the Caritas in my town, running it for over 20 years with the help of many volunteers and the support of the clergy at the time. Projects were also carried out thanks to persistent requests to the municipality, the province, and the region to obtain the necessary funds to provide adequate and meaningful help to thousands of families.
In conclusion, I am grateful to God for the many gifts he has given me, to my teacher Sister Beniamina who taught me how to manage these gifts through duty, sacrifice, and the necessary rules, and to her teachings, which I have been able to fully understand and mature over time.
