(ANS – Roma) – On the occasion of the birthday of Vera Grita (January 28, 1923), Salesian Cooperator and Servant of God, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Sonia Nifosi’s company presented a theatrical dance performance at the Salesian Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Roma, located at the Salesian Headquarters. Through text and choreography, the performance honored this remarkable figure of Salesian holiness.
The setting for the performance was the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with particular emphasis on its side altars. The theme was inspired by an encounter with Vera Grita and her Work of the Living Tabernacles, as envisioned by choreographer, playwright, screenwriter, and portrait artist Sonia Nifosi, a member of the National Academy of Neoclassical and Contemporary Dance in Roma.
The entire performance unfolded as a special tribute to the Servant of God, expressed through a unique artistic interpretation, the meaning of which is outlined below.
Seven Christian virtues were embodied by seven contemporary women, each entering into empathy with one of Vera Grita’s sufferings. Each woman, supported by her particular virtue, was accompanied on her journey through that suffering.
Echoes of Vera resonated in the soul of each dancer—echoes of pain and light, echoes of virtues that helped lighten the burdens experienced in their own lives.
The Guardian of the Living Tabernacle first appeared as a silent figure on a path of spiritual searching. Through his encounter with Vera Grita and her virtues, he gathered every fragment of suffering, carrying it into the Tabernacle and returning it transfigured into light.
The women ultimately joined in the mystery of the Eucharist, encountering the Work of the Living Tabernacles.
The performance was preceded by a prologue at the side altars of the church and a brief introduction to the life and witness of Vera Grita, presented by Lodovica Maria Zanet, collaborator with the Salesian General Postulation.
The artists who took part in the dance performance, “Sacri Cuori Viventi: Tra gli Echi di Vera Grita” (Sacred Living Hearts: Among the Echoes of Vera Grita), were:
- Davide Nardi
- Susanna Gasbarra
- Vanessa Costabile
- Valeria Bertoni
- Giorgia Cicchetti
- Samantha Cuppari
- Giulia Donato
- Giada Mille
- Little Sophie D’Andrea
Finally, it is worth noting that this dance performance was not the only tribute paid by Salesian Rome a Vera Grita in the days surrounding her birthday. During the week between the Feasts of St. Francis de Sales and Don Bosco, from January 24 to 31, the Salesian Basilica of the Sacred Heart hosted an exhibition on Vera Grita, curated by educator and artist Ilaria Mondati. The exhibit consisted of eight panels presenting Vera Grita’s life and biography, each accompanied by a work of art.