Premi Silvia Di Benedetto. In 1995 the most important event of my life took place, the meeting with my Master Paramhansa Yogananda. He ignited in my heart the ardor to live for God. Through reading his writings I felt I was in contact with Christ and this completely opened me to the Light. In meditation, the Master gave me the strength to face life's trials with God as a Friend and when we are with the Lord, what else do we need? God knows us, loves us, and knows how to lead us to His Love, in eternal Bliss. This is what I share with the people who come to visit us at Ananda, the community where I have lived since 1997.

A steady leader in my life has been the spiritual guidance of Swami Kriyananda and the enlightenment derived from his example. He considered everyone as his friends in God; for him, people were more important than projects, he inspired us to live courageously doing what is right, he said that faith was his armor.

Thus, in my service at Ananda as a teacher, I wish to share with others all the good that God has given me and continues to give me through the Master, Swami, and many dear people of this beautiful community.

My hope is that we can always be open to the Peace that the Lord offers at every moment, so that we can become the person He wants.