Germany: The Story of an Italian Family on a Mission

Ezio Massimo Arrigoni, Max, and his wife Patrizia, Patty, have three children of eight, fourteen and eighteen years-old. They live in Germany (Europe), about 60 km from Cologne, together with three other children, ages two, five and six, who have been in foster care since January 3, 2014. They are a special type family, or perhaps because of this, very normal. Max and Patty are parents of a Family Home of the Pope John XXIII Community, founded by Don Oreste Benzi. They collaborate with the German Federal Office for Minors, and are recognized ecclesiastically and juridically. In addition to the three foster children, the Home hosts other people in need or in search of help, such as young adults, single mothers, elderly people, etc. It is therefore a house open to those who need it most, to those who no longer have a home. "Our home is open, we are committed to sharing our daily life 24 hours a day - you become a son, cousin, grandfather, uncle. It is a fluid reality, always open to continuous change."

His wife Patty defines their mission as follows: "We are mom and dad 24 hours a day. There is always so much to do, just think of all the babies and children, and for a few months Max has also been the sacristan in the Church." Max adds: "The spiritual dimension is the grip to hold on to."

The Family Home is the jewel in the crown of the Pope John XXIII Community, a very dynamic reality, including rosary and liturgy of the hours, and in which the days flow quickly amid problems of all kinds. Gillian, 18, the oldest daughter, explains: "It is a beautiful experience and although very difficult, you get to know many people, it is enriching."

The joy of welcoming, helping and doing good is greater than any difficulty, and leads to truly creating a single large family, where there is certainly no lack of commitments and difficulties. We must always be aware of the danger of getting overwhelmed by an industrious daily life: the risk is to become porters, and not in love with God, as Don Oreste Benzi used to highlight. Max says: "For us there is no difference between biological children and, as Don Oreste called them, the children welcomed into the Family Home, those rejuvenated in love, and I think of our three children in foster care."

The head of the family explains: "A big grace is the chapel in our house, the heart of the Family Home. We asked to have the Blessed Sacrament in order to be able to have adoration. We are extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist and devoted to Our Lady, undoer of knots."