Families at the Center: Associations Share Their Stories at the Meeting of Rimini

Rimini – In a packed CDO Arena, an intense dialogue took place on the crucial role of the family in contemporary society.
The event, titled “The Family as the Protagonist of Social Cohesion and the Common Good”, saw the participation of numerous associations which, through their daily commitment, offer concrete support to thousands of families throughout Italy.

The meeting, moderated by Luca Sommacal, president of Famiglie per l’Accoglienza (Families for Welcoming), highlighted the many “desertifications” families face today: from the demographic crisis to “relational poverty.”

Cristina Riccardi, vice-president of the Forum delle Associazioni Familiari (Forum of Family Associations), explained how the Forum—bringing together around 500 organizations nationwide—works to “create networks, create social cohesion,” and engage with institutions to promote effective family policies, such as the Universal Child Benefit.

Alfredo Caltabiano, of the Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Numerose (National Association of Large Families), spoke about his organization’s commitment to promoting not only the beauty but also the sustainability of families with many children.
He presented a handbook created to debunk the fake news that “children pollute,” showing instead how large families are an example of a true sharing economy.

The importance of an educational alliance between school and family was at the center of the contribution by Marina Frola, of the Associazione Genitori Scuole Cattoliche (AGESC) (Association of Parents of Catholic Schools (AGESC)). She emphasized how parenting today faces “new and complex dynamics” linked to fast-paced lifestyles and the impact of technology.

The perspective then broadened to the international level with Mauro Montesi and Sara Simonetti of Azione per Famiglie Nuove (Action for New Families), which operates globally to support the rights of children and families in contexts of poverty and vulnerability, such as in Guatemala and Thailand. Their mission is based on the conviction that “the values contained within the family—gratuitousness, service, reciprocity—can be transferred to the whole human family,” as hoped by founder Chiara Lubich.

Angela Preite, of the Associazione Fraternità (Fraternity Association), shared moving experiences of foster care, showing how welcoming does not simply mean adding a seat at the table, but opening one’s life to another person.
Through video and life stories, she demonstrated that fostering is “not simply adding a bed or a plate, but allowing another person to enter your life.” She offered a powerful example of social cohesion, describing a recent family celebration that brought together biological parents, foster parents, and grandparents in an embrace of restored relationships.

Mario della Mercede and Cinzia Ponte, of the Confederazione Italiana dei Centri per la Regolazione Naturale della Fertilità (Italian Confederation of Centers for Natural Fertility Regulation), addressed two pressing issues: poor knowledge of one’s own body and the increasing difficulty couples face in conceiving.
Their proposal is a rediscovery of “human ecology”, a path of awareness and respect for fertility that strengthens marital dialogue and enhances women’s self-esteem.

The gathering conveyed a strong, unified message: if supported and valued, the family is the first and most fundamental resource for generating a more united, supportive society capable of looking to the future with hope.
The associations present at the Meeting stand as living witnesses of this truth—true workshops where the common good is built every day.