The Sanctuary of Barbana welcomed the guests of the Sereni Orizzonti residence for the elderly on a votive pilgrimage with the citizens of Aiello

The votive pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Barbana, which involved eight elderly people, guests of the protected residence Sereni Orizzonti 1, and the community of Aiello del Friuli, where the facility is located, ended late yesterday afternoon. The Holy Mass, celebrated inside the evocative Marian church, was followed by a pleasant community lunch at the end of a day of spiritual but also sensorial enrichment, amidst the scent of the sea and the lush nature surrounding the island of Barbana, in the Grado lagoon.

"This year, we wanted to offer the guests a special and innovative day to nourish their spirituality, and for this reason we also decided to participate in the traditional votive pilgrimage organised by the Parish of Aiello," explains Adina Bruma, head of the Sereni Orizzonti retirement home. An occasion of spiritual recollection but also of mutual growth for the pilgrims who joined in a journey of faith immersed in the peace of the senses. The Marian shrine is in fact a favourite destination for the faithful from the Bassa Friulana area, but also for those from outside the region, attracted by the tranquillity of Barbana and the evocative processions in which the statue of the Madonna is carried on their shoulders around the island.

"Lifestyle changes, ageing or bereavements are some of the traumatic events that increase the need for our residents to find comfort in prayer and recollection," continues Adina, enthusiastic about the success of the day. Spirituality and faith are indeed fundamental aspects in the lives of many elderly people living in retirement homes who need to feel protected and respected in a familiar environment. Such activities enhance the mood and quality of life of the residents in the facility. Aspects that the Friulian Sereni Orizzonti group places at the centre of its missionwith 20 years of experience in the construction and operation of residences for the elderly throughout the country.

It was an exciting day for the elderly, but also a moment of mutual human and spiritual acquaintance that met with the approval of the entire Aiello community: a starting point for future occasions of exchange and to further foster the integration of the guests within the social fabric.

In the meantime, a rich programme of autumn and winter activities is already ready and will start in the coming weeks, actively involving the staff and guests of the Aiello residence.