On 19 July, the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, visited the Colle di Miravalle to take part in the centenary celebrations of Maria Dolens. His speech can be found below, followed by the welcome given to the Head of State by the President of the Foundation, Marco Marsilli, and excerpts from the speech by the Mayor of Rovereto, Giulia Robol.
I would like to greet everyone present, beginning with the President of the Province of Trento. I am especially grateful to the Mayor of Rovereto and the President of the Foundation for their welcome and for the invitation. This invitation had been extended to me several times by the unforgettable Alberto Robol.
Standing here on the Colle di Miravalle, beside Maria Dolens, my thoughts turn immediately to the remarkable vision of Don Antonio Rossaro. He was inspired to create a sound that would speak of peace and unity, from weapons that had taken lives on many of Europe’s frontlines.
On the occasion of Maria Dolens’ centenary, that vision remains a particularly powerful point of reference.
Being here again is deeply meaningful, especially at this moment in international affairs, when shadows we thought had disappeared are once again emerging. This goes against the wishes, hopes and expectations of people across every continent and in every part of the world. There are those who wish to revive wars of territorial conquest, which we believed belonged to a darker chapter of history. There are those who seek to reassert the dominance of the strong over the weak, or who believe it acceptable to bomb civilians in their homes, even massacring young people simply gathered to celebrate and listen to music.
We are witnessing violence that no longer even targets opposing soldiers. Shots are fired, and lives taken, in places of worship, in areas where water is distributed to the thirsty, or where bread is handed out to the hungry. Those who try to help the wounded are also being attacked.
All of this stands in stark contrast to humanity’s shared expectations and risks fuelling a cycle of resentment, hatred and conflict, which in turn gives rise to further violence.
This is why returning to Maria Dolens is so important.
The current situation urges us to renew the message that first rang out from here one hundred years ago.
There is a longing for hope that runs through humanity, and it must prevail over what we are now witnessing, despite the sadness and concern it causes us.
The present moment is also one of confusion, not only in international relations but in the daily lives of many people.
For this reason, this return is more valuable than ever. The chimes of Maria Dolens are not only a renewed expression of sorrow in the face of today’s tragedies. Above all, they send out a message of peace and hope, which we continue to believe in.
