She is the stern but affectionate lady on TV. Ironic, spontaneous and without filters, it is overwhelming and charged like a battery. And, even when she criticizes, hers is always the rebuke of a mother who encourages her to give more. A constant and “noisy” presence on the most followed programs on the small screen, Mara Maionchi publicly said that she had breast cancer several years ago. In her very direct style, she has repeatedly described that period without rhetoric, admitting that the disease made her understand the importance of prevention and regular checks, thus contributing to raising awareness on the topic of cancer prevention for women. And today he confides: «I pray every day, I say a rosary every evening, it is very comforting to me». Non-obvious and non-trivial words, pronounced by one of the most recognizable personalities of the show. Thanks to her way of being – genuine, honest, sometimes rough – and her way of speaking, with the typical Milanese cadence and marked r’s, the low, hoarse, scratchy voice. He speaks confidently, gestures, dominates the scene. It’s a real explosion of laughter and good humor.
Mara, you admitted that your relationship with God is, in some ways, “an opportunist thread.” Was there a specific moment in your life when you realized you only looked for him when you needed him?
«The relationship with God gives me strength and understanding: settling into this comfort is perhaps opportunistic, but I hope that God does not care why you believe, but rather whether you practice your belief consistently. So, let’s say that in difficult moments I asked for more, but I also tried to remember it in lucky and happy moments.”
In his latest book he talks about his mother, who had a very strong character. With a somewhat rigid upbringing, how did you find faith? And what is still your prayer “of the heart” today?
«“Very strong” referring to my mother is a euphemism, we called her “the Bloody” (laughs, ed.): my mother was someone who defended herself, she only did what she wanted, and I must say that in the end she was an example in this way of being, because she taught us independence and self-sufficiency. The approach to religion, for me, was natural, and went beyond attending the parish, I really felt the need for prayer. My favorite is the Our Father.”
She is also famous for her unfiltered way of speaking. Is there a Mara who “controls” herself more before God, or even gets angry with Him?
«(Laughs, ed.) No, I don’t get angry with God, let alone! I rarely even get angry at people anymore, I’m much more relaxed and I’ve learned that it’s not necessary to get heated. Then I always regret swearing when I listen to it again…”.
His was an incredible career, full of right intuitions. But when things went well for you, did you ever think: “Someone up there has something to do with this too”, or was it always all thanks to your instinct?
«I have often called it luck and I must say that I have had a lot of it. For sure, Someone looked at me from up there, and Whoever loved me continued to look at me, making me ready for some appointments with destiny.”
In his book he suggests training your memory so as not to “miss out”. If you were to apply this idea to faith, how do you train it?
«With the rosary from the point of view of a moment of exercise of the spirit, of gathering thoughts, but certainly above all giving to those in need. It doesn’t take much, giving is important and is good for those who receive but above all for those who give.”
