Nostalgia is a defining emotion when confronting the moral, philosophical, and spiritual questions of human beings. Etymologically, it means "the pain of return," in a sometimes vague sense because it doesn't always refer to a past made up of specific places, people, or events, but rather to a profound emotion that makes us yearn for something beautiful, just, and universal, as if, deep down, we knew we were part of it or were called to it.

The theme of exile runs through the history of human thought: the journey of Ulysses (“The Iliad and the Odyssey” (of Homer) is a journey that leads to infinity because it always remains unfinished, but it entails an experience of wisdom.

(…)
“Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
Getting there is your destiny.
But never rush the journey.
Better that it lasts for many years

(…)
Even if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
So, wise as you have become, with so much experience,
You will now understand what the Ithacas mean[1].

Every story of exile, from the most ancient civilizations to the present day, raises fundamental existential questions not only for its time: Is there a "thread" that gives meaning to history? This question can also be asked on a personal level: What is the meaning of what I am experiencing or what I have experienced? Why evil, pain, death? These are questions that are not always expressed, but they are deeply present in the most recent research on the authentic needs of young people. Often, nostalgia for the infinite is described as melancholy, loneliness of the soul, a search for a "why"?[2].

And yet these questions struggle to emerge: we are distracted by things that happen to us, by the thousand worries that grip our souls, by thoughts that bother us. Perhaps we don't stop long enough to discover around us the small answers that could be a beacon to help us stay on track.

Let us, then, try to seek out these opportunities in every possible way—in times and spaces for listening, with shared reflection—and together with those who travel with us on the path of existence: our community, our friends, our colleagues, let us try to work, to confront each other without losing faith that things can change for the better. We too will feel transformed. In Christian communities around the world, Easter is celebrated this month. The message of the "three days" is profound and continues to challenge all people capable of asking questions and engaging in dialogue.[3]The mystery of pain, the ability to "linger" in the wounds of humanity, the strength to begin again are values present in every heart and accompany our journey through the deserts, guiding history and our lives.

[1] Konstandinos P. Kavafis. Edited and translated by Pedro Bádenas de la Peña for the Poetic Anthology, Alianza Editorial. Madrid, 1999
[2] Istituto Giuseppe Toniolo: Cerco, dunque credo? (Vita e Pensiero, 2024) curated by R. Bichi and P. Bignardi
[3] International Conference “Does Pain Make Sense?” (Castel Gandolfo, 2017) https://www.cittanuova.it/senso-nel-dolore/?ms=006&se=007