Hello dear friends,
I am thrilled to extend my warm greetings, on behalf of the entire Government, to celebrate the remarkable centenary of the birth of Don Pierino Gelmini, the visionary founder of the non-profit organization ‘Comunità Incontro’. I had the honor of meeting Don Gelmini, and his passion and unwavering determination left a lasting impression on me. He was a beacon of hope for those who were lost, creating one of Italy’s leading therapeutic communities. Despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms, he never wavered in his commitment to the greater good and defending his creation.
The legacy of Don Gelmini lives on through the dedicated individuals who continue his work. His teachings inspire a community of professionals, caregivers, and volunteers who selflessly dedicate themselves to helping those battling drug addiction find a path to recovery and a second chance at life.
I want to express my gratitude not only to Comunità Incontro, a remarkable community I had the pleasure of meeting recently, but also to all the therapeutic communities across Italy and the tireless individuals who provide care and support to those struggling with addiction.
We must dispel the dangerous myth that drugs offer freedom. In reality, addiction only leads to emptiness and destruction. Don Gelmini courageously conveyed this message throughout his life, and it is a message we must continue to reinforce to our youth. We must offer them support, guidance, and a way out of the cycle of addiction.
As a Government, we have taken a stand against the normalization of drug use and have implemented measures to address this pressing issue. We have invested in prevention efforts, increased resources for addiction services, and established dialogues with key stakeholders to tackle long-standing challenges in the sector.
There is still much work to be done, but I am proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to furthering our efforts. We stand united with you in this battle against addiction, and I want to assure you that you are not alone.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication, and remember, we are here to support you every step of the way.
[Courtesy translation]
