On Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 17:30, the Valle Olona will host a special Santa Messa della Divina Misericordia at La Valle di Ezechiele in Fagnano Olona. This annual celebration, which has become a cherished tradition for the local community, has been postponed this year to avoid coinciding with the lengthy post-Easter weekend. Nevertheless, the event carries profound significance, particularly as it coincides with the joy surrounding the election of Pope Leone XIV to the pontifical throne.
The election of Leone XIV resonates deeply with the themes of work and dignity, harkening back to Leone XIII, who dedicated the historic encyclical Rerum Novarum to these very issues. This connection is particularly poignant for La Valle di Ezechiele, which has utilized work as a means of reintegration for former inmates. The message of hope and inspiration is palpable as the community prepares for this important occasion.
Adding to the significance of the day is the presence of Don Luigi Ciotti, the founder of Libera contro le mafie, who will be attending to mark the 30th anniversary of the association. Ciotti is a prominent figure in the fight against organized crime and his involvement is expected to inspire attendees. His message emphasizes that Libera stands against the mafia, not the individuals ensnared by its grip, who often lack the freedom to choose their paths.
The celebration will feature the youth choir of Cairate, a regular presence at the event, and the scout clan of Gruppo Busto 3, who will assist with hospitality. Don Simone Chiarion, the new parish priest of Fagnano Olona, will concelebrate the Mass alongside Ciotti. They will be joined by local dignitaries, including Mayor Marco Baroffio and Salvatore Pasquariello, the prefect of Varese, who has consistently shown support for this gathering.
Anna Bonanomi, the president of La Valle di Ezechiele, will host the event, bringing together workers from the cooperative and an ever-growing community of volunteers. The cooperative has seen significant success since November 2020, employing 32 individuals, with only one having reoffended—a statistic that underscores the effectiveness of their reintegration efforts. “It works!” is the straightforward and honest assessment from the community leaders.
The evening will culminate in a convivial dinner, open to all attendees, where guests can enjoy grilled food and the unique Prison Beer, a craft beer that symbolizes the cooperative’s project. This culinary experience aims not only to provide nourishment but also to foster dialogue and connection within the community.
In a separate but related event, Don Ciotti will also speak to over two thousand students in Trieste on Monday, May 12, 2025, during the performance of “Mafia: il mondo parallelo” at the Teatro Rossetti. This initiative aims to educate young people about the realities of organized crime and the importance of recognizing and combating its infiltration into society.
The events in Trieste begin on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with a round table discussion featuring prominent figures in the fight against organized crime, including the new prosecutor Patrizia Castaldini and Michele Carbone, the director of the Anti-Drug and Organized Crime Agency (DIA). This gathering will take place in Piazza Unità as part of the Maker Faire Festival, aiming to raise awareness among citizens about the mafia's presence and influence.
From 16:00 to 20:00 on Saturday, a police-coordinated stand will be set up in the square to engage with the public and provide information on organized crime. The culmination of these efforts will be the student-focused show on Monday, where the narrative will trace the fight against the mafia from significant historical events, including the maxi trial in Palermo and the Capaci massacre.
These initiatives highlight a concerted effort by local authorities and community leaders to instill a culture of legality among the youth. As Prefect Pietro Signoriello noted, “the culture of legality starts from a young age through family and schools.” With 2,300 students participating in the two matinees, the aim is to create “antibodies” that enable the younger generation to recognize and resist mafia influences.
As the community in Fagnano Olona prepares for the Santa Messa, the intertwining of faith, work, and social justice becomes evident. The celebration is not merely a religious observance but a testament to the ongoing struggle against organized crime and a celebration of human dignity. The presence of Don Ciotti and the collective efforts of the community serve as a beacon of hope and resilience.
In a time when the challenges posed by organized crime and social injustice are ever-present, events like these remind us of the power of community action and the importance of supporting one another in the pursuit of a more just society. The upcoming celebrations in both Fagnano Olona and Trieste are poised to inspire and mobilize individuals to continue the fight against the shadows of the mafia.
