"Once upon a time, and perhaps still is...", no, it's gone! The National Reconciliation Award, given to individuals, organizations, or associations committed to upholding the values of solidarity, no longer exists.
To emphasize the gift of forgiveness
Created in 1985 by Don Adamo Castagnaro, parish priest of Conflenti, had the aim of bringing a breath of positivity, emphasizing the gift of forgiveness, in an Italy that was living in terror. Those were years when every morning people expected to hear on the radio news which member of the judiciary, law enforcement, or politician had been shot or killed. For the occasion, an association, "Friends of Reconciliation," was created, not only to organize the events surrounding the award but also to promote other small initiatives. The same association, in fact, handled the arrival and placement of the Chernobyl children, who arrived in our area after the 1986 nuclear disaster, with their families.
The first edition in 1985
For the first edition it was decided to award the prize to Aldo's daughter Moro, for the great strength of spirit and religious devotion that allowed her to grant forgiveness to her father's murderers. On December 22, 1985, Maria Fida Moro arrived in Conflenti and, before a large crowd, accepted the award. On that occasion, she confessed to having had a second meeting the previous evening with two former Red Brigade members, Adriana Faranda and Valerio Morucci, in Rebibbia prison. The first embrace between Moro's daughter, Morucci, and Faranda took place on October 18, 1984. On that occasion, Maria Fida described them as "two people who have made mistakes and who feel pain." The day after the award ceremony, major newspapers covered this incomparable event. Conflenti had managed to move Italy: is it right or wrong to forgive?
Other editions of the Reconciliation Award
Six more editions of the National Reconciliation Award followed.
On January 3, 1987, he was handed over to the Bachelet family. Because on February 14, 1980, in the Church of San Roberto Bellarmino, Giovanni Bachelet took the microphone and said: “We also want to pray for those who killed my dad.”
On December 27, 1987, Carabinieri General Niccolò Mirenna was executed. Because, at the head of the National Anti-Drug Command, he had always been concerned with the problem. He distinguished himself not only for his repression of the phenomenon, but also for his prevention. He thus gave a significant example of reconciliation with life..
The 90s editions
For the January 14, 1990 edition, the City of Assisi and the Franciscan Community of the Basilica of St. Francis received the award. Awarded for having distinguished themselves in launching a message of reconciliation and brotherhood among men and for interpreting peace on earth.
On January 6, 1993, the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome received the Prize of Reconciliation. For his mediation in the signing of the peace agreement between the government of Mozambique and the armed guerrillas, helping to end a 15-year internal war.
The sixth edition is dated February 25, 1995. The prize went to Prof. Antonino Zichichi, for having considered science and faith as gifts from God.
In the last edition, December 19, 1998, Conflenti hosted and awarded Lech Walesa. For having played a decisive role in the transition to democracy in Poland and for the position of Ambassador of Reconciliation with which he is awarded.
The Monument of Reconciliation
The prize awarded in all seven editions was an artistic reproduction, by Gerardo Sacco, of the "Monument of Reconciliation" that once stood in front of the Sanctuary, now the Basilica. The monument was made of iron and consisted of two poles. At the top were three circles symbolizing reconciliation with God, humanity, and nature. At the base was a sort of brazier filled with stones from which sprouted the stem of a small green plant, symbolizing the hope of forgiveness that was intended to be spread.
What remains…
Today, the event has ceased to exist, both due to a lack of organizational support and financial constraints. The Award, in fact, has never received any public or private funding, and the expenses involved were considerable. There is no trace of the monument. Moved under the pretext of construction work, it has never been returned to its original location. it seems to rest abandoned in a ravine. Just as the "Friends of Reconciliation" association appears to be "asleep." Who knows, one day it might wake up. Who knows, one day the entire event might be reborn. Who knows...
