Skip to main content

About

On this site you will find English translations of articles originally published in italian on ombreeluci.it, the official publication of the Fede e Luce Association.

Ombre e Luci (Light and Shadows) is more than just a magazine – it’s a meeting point where experiences, stories, and reflections about disability and inclusion converge, with a distinct Christian perspective woven throughout its pages.

Our magazine brings together diverse voices and content:

Personal Stories

We feature direct testimonials from people with disabilities, parents, teachers, and friends who share their authentic experiences of daily challenges and joys. These stories, like those of Dario Piersanti discovering a new dimension of service through Faith and Light, or Mirella Casale’s pioneering journey in school inclusion, highlight the human dimension of disability.

Experiences

We document and share real-world initiatives and projects dedicated to people with disabilities and vulnerable individuals, presenting both their achievements and challenges. Our magazine believes in honest storytelling that captures both the shadows and light of each experience.
By sharing these authentic experiences, complete with their difficulties and breakthroughs, we provide a truthful picture that helps others learn and grow. Each story we feature reflects the real-world complexity of creating inclusive communities, acknowledging that progress often comes through learning from both successes and struggles. This balanced approach helps readers understand that change is a process, with its own rhythm of light and shadow, victories and challenges.

Faith and Spirituality

Spirituality is central to our mission. We offer insights into how faith intersects with the lives of people with disabilities and their families, featuring stories of inclusive pastoral care and innovative religious experiences.

Arts and Culture

Our magazine embraces the creative side of life, featuring:

  • Book reviews
  • Film critiques
  • Theater performances
  • Art exhibitions

These demonstrate how disability doesn’t limit cultural participation but enriches it.

Our Mission

“Ombre e Luci” speaks to a diverse audience, fostering reflection, emotion, and action. We are committed to building a more inclusive society where diversity is recognized not as a barrier but as a source of enrichment for all.

Published quarterly, our magazine continues to be a vital tool for cultural change, promoting understanding and appreciation of human diversity in all its forms.

Meet Some of the Team

Giulia Galeotti

Giulia Galeotti

Editor in Chief

Cristina Tersigni

Cristina Tersigni

Editorial director

Matteo Cinti

Matteo Cinti

Graphic Editor

Lars Porsenna

Lars Porsenna

CDO

Collaborators

Translation

The translation work for Ombre e Luci articles is made possible thanks to the dedication of many volunteers. We began translating the over 3000 articles with the support of the John Felice Rome Center (JFRC), the Roman campus of Loyola University Chicago, and John Cabot University. Translator credits are included at the end of each article.

We are actively seeking native English-speaking volunteers to help us continue this effort in spreading the values and content of Shadows and Lights. If you have the time and inclination to lend us a hand, please reach out to us.

Contact us

John Felice Rome Center

Translation from Italian to English by students on the initiative of the “Italian 251: Composition & Conversation II” course taught by Nives Valli using the Service-Learning pedagogical approach at JFRC, Loyola University Chicago.

At the beginning of 2023, a collaboration began between Ombre e Luci and the John Felice Rome Center (JFRC), the Roman campus of Loyola University Chicago, Chicago’s Jesuit university.

This collaboration stems from the JFRC’s Service Learning program, which offers students various opportunities for meaningful engagement in society. The program focuses on encountering and supporting communities that are often at the margins of society. It connects reflection and academic learning with community needs.

Students from the JFRC’s Italian Composition & Conversation II Service Learning course taught by Nives Valli have the opportunity of practicing their advanced Italian language skills by translating Ombre e Luci articles, helping make the articles available to a wider readership that can benefit from their content focused on inclusion and belonging. In so doing, they support and encourage fostering communities in which people with and without intellectual disabilities share and celebrate life together.