In Lonato del Garda, the municipal council has unanimously decided to award honorary citizenship to Don Antonio Mazzi, a prominent figure in the social landscape and founder of the Exodus Foundation. This significant recognition, which resonates throughout the Lake Garda area, aims to honor a life entirely dedicated to serving others, authentically embodying the core values of solidarity, social responsibility, and hope. The initiative celebrates the profound impact of his work on the social fabric, including the local community. The Unanimity of the Municipal Council The decision to grant the honor was approved with unanimous and favorable votes during the municipal council meeting in Lonato del Garda. The award symbolizes a shared tribute to Don Antonio Mazzi, whose life journey has been a concrete example of dedication to others. After the vote, the Mayor of Lonato del Garda read a message of thanks received from Don Antonio Mazzi, filled with deep emotion. The Reasons for the Recognition The municipal administration of Lonato del Garda expressed the motivations behind this honor through a letter sent to Don Antonio Mazzi. The letter highlights how his figure has come to represent the “highest values of solidarity, social responsibility, and hope.” It emphasizes his tireless commitment to the Exodus Community, which he founded and leads with “love, firmness, and vision,” providing and continuing to offer young people and families “an opportunity for rebirth, redemption, and return to human dignity.” Don Mazzi’s work, rooted in faith yet open to all, has successfully combined spirituality and practicality, education and hospitality, becoming a national reference point for a future based on inclusion, work, and community. The Impact on the Garda Territory Don Antonio Mazzi’s initiatives and presence have also closely touched the reality of the Garda territory. The message of the Exodus Foundation and his personal testimony have significantly contributed to raising awareness among institutions, schools, and families about the importance of prevention, listening, and recovery. For these reasons, the Municipality of Lonato del Garda wanted to confer honorary citizenship as a sign of gratitude and admiration for his extraordinary human, educational, and social contribution. Don Antonio Mazzi’s Emotional Response In his message of thanks, Don Antonio Mazzi expressed his deep emotion and sincere gratitude for the recognition. He stated: “It is a genuine emotion for me to feel part of your Community, which I consider an example of welcome and civic engagement, and it is an honor that I will cherish with deep respect, strengthening my bond with Your City.” He reflected on the complexity of the educator’s role, asserting: “I believe that the profession of Educator is one of the most difficult there is.” He added, in a reflection that connects his role to that of a public administrator, that “there is a difference between ‘doing the Educator’ and ‘being an Educator’.” The founder of Exodus extended his gratitude to all the educators of the Exodus Foundation, particularly those at the Lonato del Garda location, who have successfully built a true educational community with local entities. Italian Version
Honorary Citizenship to Don Antonio Mazzi: Lonato del Garda Recognizes the Commitment of Exodus Foundation
