First Reunion of the Carlesso family, in Ilópolis, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil
We began planning this reunion in November 2009. From then on the organizing team met every two months, and sometimes monthly, to settle the details of the programme. Over those meetings the small group of organizers grew, until it numbered almost 20 people.
At first we had no idea how many people would come, or how the idea would be received. But we were sure we should leave a good mark on the memory of everyone taking part on that important date. With that feeling, from the start, the organizers, in a true team spirit, set out to make the day what it should be.
To organize a reunion of this size, people have to give a great deal of their time and set their own interests aside for a greater cause, for the whole family. In real teamwork each person has to play their part with care and commitment, offer their suggestions, and know when to give way for the good of all. Working as a team, organizing this was, without doubt, first a deep period of learning and of forming leaders, and then one of greater integration between people and families, drawing closer the ties of family and friendship, even with people who do not carry the Carlesso surname.
Alongside the whole organization of the reunion and its activities ran a demanding and determined campaign to gather the data for the family tree, which currently holds 1,770 people. Dates, names, photographs and documents which, once fully assembled, will form part of the Family Book. The most rewarding part of this is the welcome discovery of people and families who until then did not know they belonged to it. People we sometimes passed in the street without ever imagining we might be related, however distantly. People who, respectfully and mindful of each other's surname, came to feel like close relatives. Respecting the relationship each person wishes to have with the Carlesso surname.
The day began at 8 am with a visit to the cemetery at Linha Monte Berico. After prayers and hymns, the journey to the town of Ilópolis began. There was a chance to appreciate gaúcho culture, without forgetting the Italian culture built by our ancestors. We even heard from people who were born and raised in the area but had not returned for more than 20 years, amazed at how much had changed.
After the beautiful Mass in Italian at the Santuário São Paulo Apóstolo, those at the reunion were treated to a fine family lunch at the CTG Querência do Mate. A varied programme followed in the afternoon, and the day ended at 5 pm. The reunion drew around 510 people from 25 different towns and cities (Ilópolis, Anta Gorda, Arvorezinha, Lajeado, Putinga, Santa Clara do Sul, Gravataí, Guaporé, Garibaldi, São Miguel do Oeste/SC, Caibi/SC, Pelotas, Muçum, Francisco Beltrão/PR, Rio de Janeiro/SC Boqueirão do Leão, Xanxerê/SC Barros Cassal, Porto Alegre, Venancio Aires, Santa Cruz do Sul, Dr. Ricardo, Encantado, São Leopoldo).
It is a fine thing to see people who had not seen one another for decades, separated by distance, meeting again. People who did not know each other now making and strengthening friendships. People moved to pay homage to their grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents. Thoughtful people seeking to know an important part of their history, until then unknown. People returning to their homeland and gladly seeing how society has changed.
For these simple reasons alone we can say it was well worth holding this reunion, certain that a seed has been sown and that this seed, well tended, will grow and strengthen our families, Italian culture and our society, in the search for greater respect and cooperation, in overcoming difficulties and family troubles, and in strengthening the family and cultural identity we have all inherited.
We want to thank once again the courage and persistence of everyone on the organizing team, who spared no effort for this family gathering. The riders, the singing and liturgy teams, Father Eleutério Orsolin, Father Genoir Pieta of Guaporé, the board of the Santuário São Paulo Apóstolo, the team at the CTG Querência do Mate, those who decorated, the civil and military authorities, the media, the sponsors, and finally everyone who in one way or another helped make this reunion something truly etched in the memory of all who took part. May it go on meeting its aims as it has so far: to perpetuate the memory of our ancestors, to revive family ties and identity, and to promote Italian culture in today's society.
