DON CAMILLO AND PEPPONE, ALWAYS RIVALS, NEVER ENEMIES!
Egidio Bandini, Journalist and President of the “Gruppo Amici di Giovannino Guareschi”; Enrico Beruschi, Director and Actor; Gianni Govi, Actor and Director; Giancarlo Plessi, President of the “Centro Manfredini” in Piacenza; Eugenio Martani, Clarinetist; Corrado Medioli, Accordionist.
“Giovannino Guareschi wrote: ‘Two fierce adversaries fight each other without ever becoming enemies because they listen to the voice of their conscience (Christ).’ These few words by Guareschi are enough to express the essence of our meeting at the Meeting per l’amicizia fra i popoli in 2023: ‘Don Camillo and Peppone, always rivals, never enemies!’ The two protagonists of the most famous Italian literary and cinematic saga of the 20th century represent, better than any other example, the true meaning of friendship, surpassing any barrier, be it ideological, religious, or social. Side by side, the world’s most famous parish priest and mayor, guided by the voice of Christ, face together the challenges of life, both their own and that of their community. About his two most well-known (and loved) characters, Guareschi wrote: ‘Don Camillo and Peppone hate each other with love!'”
