Aquí, este es nuestro momento…. Une prophétie qui continue…. Une prophétie qui continue…. È o dia de Deus…. Insieme, in cam- mino…ora! Aquí, este es nuestro momento…. Une prophétie qui continue…. Une prophétie qui continue…. È o dia de Deus…. Insieme, in cammino…ora! Aquí, este es nuestro momento…. Une prophétie quiMake continue…. Unethings prophétie qui continue…. È o dia de Deus…. Insieme, in cammino…ora! Aquí, este es nue- stro momento…. Une prophétiehappen! qui continue…. Une prophétie qui continue…. È o dia de Deus…. Insieme,The in cammino…ora! now Aquí, este es nuestro momento…. Une prophétieof God! qui continue…. Une prophétie qui continue…. È o dia de Deus…. Insieme, in cammi- no…ora! Aquí, este es nuestro momento…. Une prophétie qui continue…. Une prophétie qui continue…. È o dia de Deus…. Insieme, in cammino…ora! Aquí, este es nuestro momento…. INTERVIEW CANOSSIAN WORLD Une prophétie qui continue….A professional Une prophétieschool qui continue…. È in a neighbourhood of Milan o dia de Deus…. Insieme, inNEWS cammino…ora! REPORT Aquí, este es nue- Canossian From the Synod to the WYD Daughters stro momento…. Une prophétiein Panama qui continue…. Une prophétieOf Charity qui PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIAL continue….N° 7 È o dia de Deus….Meeting Insieme, new worlds in cammino…ora! Aquí, JANUARY / APRIL 2019 At the dawn of the Canossian Missions este es nuestro momento…. Une prophétie qui continue…. Une prophétie qui continue…. È o dia de Deus…. Insieme, in cam- mino…ora! Aquí, este es nuestro momento…. Une prophétie vita più

“Beyond the ideas, beyond what is just intuition of our Congregational Leader and unjust, there is a place. Let us meet and her Council, we have chosen to there.” dedicate each of the three issues of These words – flamboyant and striking this year’s VitaPiù to the theme of – of the Persian mystic poet, Jalāl ad-Dīn ‘interculturation’. This new dimension Rūmī (XIII century), express in a flash needs to be deepened and examined, the value of intercultural experiences beginning from the very rich and varied (interculturality) and how integral they multicultural experiences that the are to a possible way of encounter and the Canossian family lives around the world. building of positive relations beyond the Our journey begins with this issue and initial differences. it begins in Europe, the cradle of the The vocabulary defines interculturality Canossian charism. We will go to Africa as “coexistence, knowledge and exchange and the Americas, Asia and Oceania, between individuals and groups of stopping in all the continents, listening to different cultures”. It’s a dimension that stories and witnessing. the Canossian family, present in 32 And VitaPiù itself is becoming ever countries in the world of five continents, more intercultural. In fact, I thank the knows well because it is part of its generosity of many sisters on behalf of DNA. It is called to live it in an ever the whole Communication Team. For the 2 more evangelical and prophetic way. first time our Canossian magazine will be Yes, because the world in which we live available in all the official languages of in is in one way interlinked by roads the Institute and not only in Italian and and connections and webs – real and English, but also in French, Spanish and digital – but in another way experiences Portuguese. the temptation to close itself off, to build barriers, to exclude the other, the different A Happy New Year to everyone and enjoy from oneself out of fear or selfishness. the journey! This is why, being urged by a powerful Paolo Bovio

VITA PIÙ OWNERSHIP General House of the Canossian Daughters of Charity RESPONSIBLE DIRECTOR Paolo Bovio N. 7 - JANUARY - APRIL 2019 CONCEPT AND GRAPHICS Studio Bertin EDITING Paolo Bovio Authorized by the Tribunal of Rome COMMUNICATION TEAM, CANOSSIAN N. 52/87, 6 February 1987 INSTITUTE Sandra Maggiolo (Assistant General) Maria Grazia Bongarzone (Coordinator) Paolo Bovio (Operations Manager)

www.canossian.org infocanossiane

infocanossiane youtube In various countries, united be the same heart

ear readers, who belonged to diverse nations and I wish to begin the New Year cultures. She had learnt to look beyond Dmaking mine the wishes of the differences and to discover that Magdalene: they did not prevent fraternity and “I wish everyone a most happy friendship, rather, they enriched it. Year, filled with the most copious Magdalene recommends her Daughters blessings, (that) God make you all to “have only one heart, to love according to his heart. This is what each other sincerely, without I most desire.” any distinction…therefore no Our Foundress often speaks of the opposition must be brought to bear “heart” as the driving centre of life in on this union being the sisters from all its fullness. various Countries, even if they were I think of you, of the many nations in from conflicting Nations being all which you find yourselves, at the many Daughters of the one same Father”. people that I have met: the elderly, the It is a most current message, it is adults, young people and children. I the evangelical message and it is the experienced with you many beautiful charismatic message that has opened 3 moments of joy, of celebration and also and continues to open our Congregation moments of pain, of suffering, part of to the entire world. It is the message life’s reality. We belong to continents, of love. Its language is international; it to nations, to various cultures but with overcomes every barrier and makes us something that brings us together speak one sole idiom that is understood and unites us. It is our “heart” that throughout the world even without delights, suffers and rejoices in translators. It is love that becomes freedom, independently of our origin, respect, dialogue, understanding, of our intellectual formation, of our reciprocity, collaboration and all those cultural heritage. In this issue, VitaPiù acts are the manifestation of a true speaks of our multicultural reality, fraternity. of our intercultural experiences. Love is the foundation of peace that From the very beginning of her life, we so much desire and that does not begin from great declarations but from Magdalene lived in a multicultural our heart, from each one’s “heart” and world. Let us simply think of her renders us instruments, multipliers parents, her father a Veronese and and carriers of peace. her mother a Hungarian, of the people This is my wish for each of you. that frequented the Canossa palace

Sr Annamaria Babbini Congregational Leader Index

LETTER OF THE FOUNDRESS P. 6 A boundless charity Magdalene and the desire to “go” MESSAGGIOFr Angelo Bettelli P.ES OF LIFE P. 9 P.ES OF LIFE P. 12 P.ES OF LIFE P. 14 In the world with From Verona into a humble heart… the whole world Bakhita, in Italy Maura Benedetti beside the as a missionary Alessandro Romelli P.ES OF LIFEyoung and the poor

4 INTERVIEW P. 17 PERSONALITY P. 3 0 CANOSSIAN WORLD An intercultural pastoral service Byung-Chul Han Announcing the Gospel in Albania

BOOKS P. 32 Books PERSONALITYRSON

NEWS P. 34

Europe 2019: The decisive year

NEWS P. 36 The European Union, a great project of peace and intercultural experiences vita più

NEWS P. 38 From the Synod to the WYD in Panama The journey of the Church continues with the youth

P.ES OF LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIAL P. 4 0

Interculturality: black and white photos 5 from the exhibition

EVENTS P. 42 CALENDA EVENTS

VOICA P. 44 FONDAZIONE P. 46 A new Foundation with ancient roots Walking in charity along the roads of the world LETTER OF THE FOUNDRESS

Una carità sconfinata Maddalena e il desiderio di “andare”

steria. C’è un posto, parole: “Ero straniero” “ nel Vangelo di Luca, (Mt 25,35). Matteo, che Oche è la casa di di Greco ne sa, per dire tutti, e dove (quasi) tutti ‘straniero’ sceglie di usare il sono di casa. È la “locanda” termine ‘xènos’, il quale fa (ovvero, la casa dell’ospite il paio con il Latino ‘hostis’ e dello straniero) nella –da cui la nostra famosa quale il Buon Samaritano ‘Osteria’. Xènos – Hostis ricovera l’incauto poveretto è lo ‘straniero’ in quanto finito sotto le grinfie dei ‘ospite’, ovvero in quanto banditi (Lc 10,34). È l’ persona che proviene da “albergo” (ovvero, la casa del fuori, e con la quale –però- viandante e del pellegrino) esistono vincoli di reciproca nel quale il nascituro Figlio solidarietà. La solidità del dell’uomo e Figlio di Dio diritto / dovere dell’ospitalità di PADRE ANGELO BETTELLI (l’Unigenito persino…) non era in antichità sancita e trova un misero angolino di protetta dall’istituto della 6 posto al momento di venire ‘xenìa’ (ospitalità), che al mondo (Lc 2,7). ‘Locanda’, obbligava all’accoglienza ‘Albergo’, ‘Ospizio’, ma anche dello straniero considerato ‘Osteria’ sono i nomi con i come persona sacra ed quali nei Vangeli si qualifica inviolabile. Tutto ciò era il mondo, il luogo nel quale legato alla convinzione che noi ospiti e stranieri della sotto le spoglie dell’ospite si vita, pellegrini e viandanti potesse celare una divinità, nel tempo, troviamo riparo e che dunque la violazione e riposo, rifugio e casa. A dell’obbligo all’ospitalità sentire Matteo, l’evangelista, fosse un’offesa nei il termine più indicato confronti del dio. La stessa per definire il posto del convinzione è saldamente mondo dove ognuno vive condivisa e confermata (e, in definitiva, il mondo tanto nell’Antico come stesso) sembra proprio nel Nuovo Testamento: si essere ‘osteria’. Infatti, per vedano al riguardo l’episodio dire la condizione nella dell’accoglienza concessa da quale quel benedetto Figlio Abramo a Dio stesso presso dell’uomo ha deciso di le Querce di Mamre (Gen risiedere da sempre e per 18) ed i numerosi richiami al sempre, gli mette sulla bocca dovere all’ospitalità dei vari le seguenti imbarazzanti autori neotestamentari (Ebr vita più

13,2; Gal 6,10; Rom 12,13,20; 1Pt 4,9; si divinizza. Ciascun essere umano At 14,6-20; At 16,15). ha ‘naturalmente’ bisogno di essere accolto: tutti siamo ospiti, e la nostra Accoglienza. E qua già si potrebbe identità è la relazione che gli altri pervenire ad un’interessante quanto hanno con noi, la loro accoglienza. Se facile-facile osservazione. L’accoglienza non siamo accolti non esistiamo, ma è di per sé una delle qualità divine che quando accogliamo ci divinizziamo. definiscono Dio come Creatore e Padre, fonte incessante della Vita ed eterno Ostile. Ok: so far, so good. Epperò, donatore di se stesso nella sua intima con calma e per favore. Infatti, tanto natura e sostanza di Amore. Qual’è, Xènos quanto Hostis godono di duplice infatti, la continua opera di Dio Padre, ed ambivalente qualifica, indicando e se non accogliere ognuno e ciascuno significando lo ‘straniero’ (ovvero, Dio dei suoi figli/e, peccatore ed indegno stesso, tanto per andare sul concreto) quanto mai si possa immaginare tanto come l’‘ospite’ da accogliere, (least-last-lost), e condividere ad ogni quanto come il ‘nemico’ e l’ ‘avversario’ istante con tutti e ciascuno la sua di fronte al quale stare per lo meno in propria Vita nella qualità di Amore guardia. Ci vuole un attimo, infatti, 7 senza limiti? Qual è infatti l’incessante perché l’hostis / hospis (l’ospite) mi azione salvifica di Gesù Primogenito diventi l’hostis / hostilis (il nemico). di tutti i suoi fratelli/sorelle, se non di Di fatti, lo straniero, colui che viene rimanere -per sempre e fino al termine da fuori, ha il brutto vizio di starmi dell’eternità Crocifisso nel mistero di fronte (è infatti l’avversario), (l’Eucarestia) e nella realtà (prossimo e di farmi da specchio. Con ciò a tutti i suoi crocifissi fratelli/sorelle, compie un’operazione pericolosa ed accanto ad ogni centurione e ad ogni indesiderata: mi rivela a me stesso, ladrone, buono e/o cattivo), se non di mi fa dono della mia identità. Mi farsi incessantemente ed eternamente rivela soprattutto i miei limiti e la mia least-last-lost, così che nessuno si possa naturale mortalità, la mia fame di vita sentire non accolto? Qual è infatti e di infinito, ed insieme la mia (e sua!) l’ininterrotta azione dello Spirito Santo ugualmente connaturale e disperata nell’intima interiorità di ogni figlio/a ricerca di risorse per possedere e di Dio, se non supplicare con il ricordo salvare ‘vita’ insieme con la terribile delle parole di Gesù Parola del Padre competizione che lui stesso, colui che che chiama ciascuno dei suoi figli/e viene da fuori, mi pone e/o mi porrà “Figlio Prediletto”? L’accoglienza è nella rincorsa al possesso di mezzi e sempre, perciò, di per sé ‘accoglienza- strumenti per allungare e salvare la di Dio’, ed è azione ed atteggiamento vita. Poiché anche lui, lo straniero, che fa diventare divini. Chi accoglie è limitato e mortale quanto me, è condivide la natura di Dio, accogliendo assetato di vita quanto me, e non è per LETTER OF THE FOUNDRESS

Una carità sconfinata Maddalena e il desiderio di “andare”

niente disposto a fare da spettatore gli umani limiti sono lo strumento per e/o –peggio- da servitore al banchetto realizzare la più autentica e naturale di vita eternizzata che con tutti i mezzi qualità e capacità umana, la relazione / ognuno cerca di imbandire e preservare comunione. I limiti della natura umana per se e per i ‘suoi’ nella casa, società, rappresentano i ‘confini’ attraverso cultura che si è apparecchiato ed a i quali la relazione / comunione cui si è seduto. Basta davvero solo un avviene, o è respinta. È attraverso la attimo perché l’ hostis / hospis (l’ospite) limitatezza, il fondamentale bisogno di mi diventi l’ hostis / hostilis (il nemico), vita che anima lo spirito e l’esistenza a volte in maniera irrimediabile… concreta di ciascun essere umano, che la relazione / comunione concretamente Carità sconfinata. Appare perciò si attua, o si rifiuta. Gesù è davvero chiaro il motivo per il quale Dio stesso, il Figlio primogenito del Padre, in Gesù, si faccia continuamente per poiché vive nel confinamento della noi (a nostro vantaggio) ‘straniero’, sua umanità la sconfinata comunione insieme ospite ed ostile. Ci viene col Padre, consentendogli accesso ad rivelata la profonda verità della natura ogni sua frontiera (ragione, volontà, della nostra umanità, ovvero la sua amore), fino all’ultimo e definitivo ‘limitatezza’, che è ragione e causa di ‘limen’, la morte. Con la sua morte e morte ed insieme di salvezza eterna. resurrezione, Gesù apre a tutti i suoi Il termine ‘limite’ deriva dal Latino fratelli la strada della piena e definitiva ‘limen’, confine, frontiera. La natura comunione col Padre, perché tutti 8 umana è di per sé ‘confinata’ tra le abbiamo Vita e Comunione di Amore, frontiere della ‘limitatezza’, con la ovvero la vita divina, la vita eterna. morte quale più evidente sigillo di finitezza. Eppure un innato ed eterno Maddalena la sapeva lunga. Nelle desiderio di infinito e di illimitatezza parole di Giovanni apostolo, questa anima ed, in qualche modo, sempre vita eterna e divina (vita sconfinata) ‘perseguita’ lo spirito umano. è già ‘attivata’ e disponibile ora: “Noi Gesù, l’unigenito Figlio del Padre, sappiamo che siamo passati dalla morte primogenito Figlio dell’uomo, è venuto alla vita, perché amiamo i fratelli. Chi a rivelare ai suoi fratelli/sorelle l’intima non ama rimane nella morte” (1Gv natura di Dio come Amore, e di ogni 3,14). Il che, tradotto in pane e salame, figlio/a di Dio come amato. I limiti tipici significa che solo la carità illimitata, della natura umana possono essere non sconfinata è la via di salvezza dai e solo la causa delle guerre che sempre tramite i nostri limiti. Che ne dite? Non contrappongono fratelli a fratelli, in è forse evidente che Maddalena aveva lotta per accaparrarsi il possesso e lo già capito tutto: “La carità non conosce sfruttamento quelle risorse / ricchezze altri confini né altri paesi, che quelli che alle quali è erroneamente affidato il portano dall’imperfetto esercizio della desiderio di vita ‘eterna’ (si veda al carità in terra al perfetto esercizio della proposito l’illuminante passo di Gc 4,1- medesima in Cielo” (Regola Diffusa, p. 4), ma anche le ‘frontiere’ attraverso 207) le quali entrare in relazione con Dio Padre e con i fratelli. In altre parole: P.ES OF LIFE vita più

In the world with a humble heart MAURA BENEDETTI, ALESSANDRO ROMELLI

journey has begun, almost a in the heart of the south, at Catania. pilgrimage to the source of our The last stop will have us return to the A being men and women of our origins at Verona with a renewed heart time, men and women of faith who are and passion to serve, to listen and seeking to live and to repay what they better contemplate our present time, have received as a gift. above all with the awareness of doing The gift is incarnated faith that moves so together. towards the Other and towards others, The various stops take direction in a continuous recognition of being from a theme that is at the heart sons (and daughters), brothers (and of Magdalene’s message: Go out, sisters). The idea is to engage the Lay Announce, Abide, Educate. Canossians in a formative journey of At the first stop, the theme to Go out rediscovering their charism, handed brought us to reflect on the importance down from the intuitions of Magdalene, of distancing oneself from introspection from her life, from her faith. based on a narcissistic logic of doing, 9 The people involved are about fifty on overcoming the loss of motivation from various regions of Italy, from and helplessness, on the fact that it diverse contexts of life and/or personal is never late to recall the Dream, to and work experiences, all united by the give attention to what is by dreaming desire to listen, to question oneself, to together. It is not to think at the result, share, and to emerge strengthened. but at the relational process that at The path of formation will end in May the first meeting already began and following a two-year period of meetings to help us understand that the past and gathering in which, above all, can be reconciled with the new. In this is being experienced a process of renewal the proclamation by the laity stimulation and new involvement of is central. The Spirit is blowing. the laity in history and for the brothers The second stop, tied to the theme of (and sisters). Announce brought us to rediscover the Every meeting is punctuated by desire and the passion for proclamation listening: listening to the Word, in a context of freedom and not of listening to witnesses, listening to the power, even at the risk of losing; that writings and the life of Magdalene and thoughts are secondary to our feelings. listening to one another’s echoes. We were invited to become attuned to This journey is crossing Italy, having the desire of Jesus. To attune ourselves left Rome with a stop in Verona and to the desire of the Other and of the P.ES OF LIFE

In the world with a humble heart …

other, educates the desire. We come does ‘abide’ mean for a Christian? How from a culture in which we have been can be the way, the Christian style to told to eliminate passion from our lives, abide? Comprised is the staying inside like mutilating ourselves. Instead, the those situations of fragility, of suffering, real word that we can pronounce is the of darkness in which we sometimes one that has been able to listen to what have the impression – to quote the title it heard. of one of the responses proposed during To live proclamation authentically is those three days – that “the earth is also to understand that it is not we falling from under our feet”. bringing the Gospel, but the Spirit, and To reply to the above questions, the the Spirit is already in the world. Faith three themes (already discussed), is not passed on, faith is generated; it distinct but visibly linked, were once is a question of encounter. The friends again brought into dialogue. The first of God have a desire attuned to that of was on the Word of God. In which way God and they reawaken to that desire. does the Word abide in creation and in Proclamation is good for us, not only history? How does God enter our world for others, and firstly begins from and into our lives? With what style and our experience. It is the experience manner? A very striking journey across 10 lived by Magdalene in her existential, the most beautiful P.es of the Old and psychological and spiritual story that New Testament, from Genesis to the renders her capable of proclamation. Apocalypse, passing through the Gospel She has travelled a path where she was of John, had in first place the privilege able to accompany others. of making us touch with our hands so much unexplored richness that is found To abide the relation and the within Sacred Scripture. How much passion for the other also pastoral care, that at times we In greater detail we will describe struggle to punctuate with a thousand the third stop that had us pause ideas or initiatives, would already at Catania, more precisely in the have its own inspirational lighthouse splendid frame of Aci Trezza where if we would place at its centre the we were received with great care and listening to the Word, just as it is. If spontaneity by the Sicilian friends. only we could be free from worrying The warmth and the friendship that to immediately draw a moral or a new we breathed during the three days project to implement. Instead, we need of sojourn put everyone in the best to let the Word to reach us, to heal us, condition to draw the most out of this to convert our glance. experience. The theme chosen for this The second fire of the meeting has been stop was to abide, recognised as one of the listening to two concrete the experiences to being human. What educational experiences, one lived in vita più

the context of psychological therapy with Fr Libera, her spiritual guide of and the other in a school, in particular extraordinary clarity and gentleness. of a school on the periphery. It was beautiful to observe the deep Here the theme of ‘to abide’ is primarily desires of Magdalene’s heart, to see her that of abiding the human relation reactions when faced with resistances within its promising character but or the misunderstandings that she also within its sometimes difficult and often had to face; to also observe painful side. Relationships, that more how her acceptance of confronting than any other experience, can disclose herself with them, guided her to the beauty and the promise of being an understanding beyond her very in the world, can instead quite often mission. Finally, it was beautiful to become the place where life’s hope stop and gather the strength and the is wounded and betrayed. There is a beauty of Magdalene’s expression: dynamic in relations that perhaps we “to live in the world with a humble would need to reclaim. There is an art heart”. This is what we aim for as Lay in the melody or musicality, understood Canossians, being in the world humbly, as a composition of the differences that totally for the other, a gift above all can accompany also our way of staying others. It is beautiful to see how the with and of crossing over the conflicts. Canossian charism is still so capable 11 There is a capacity, consisting also of to speak today as a teaching for us the beauty of one’s desire to become an to question and by which we can be adult when one learns to recognise the questioned so as to look forward and strength of failure, against the often to continue our journey every day with obstinate need to fill the emptiness, renewed hope and awareness. of wanting to have everything and immediately that transforms into From Catania we leave for Verona dependence our intimate vocation to where we will have the last stop, with become free, free because we are sons the conviction that this journey, lasting (and daughters), sons (and daughters) already a year, is to be absolutely cared because we are free. for and cultivated. May it constitute a The third reference was to the charism real help for the laity who, having been of Magdalene of Canossa. What did inspired by the journey of Magdalen it mean for Magdalene to abide, to of Canossa, can experience also today, live in the world? What did it mean wherever they are, to be in turn a light. for her to belong wholly to God and Our world certainly needs much light contemporarily be totally for others, on the many sores, sometimes wounds, beginning with the poor? It was that mark its face. beautiful to immerse ourselves in the P.es of her youthful correspondence P.ES OF LIFE

FROM VERONA INTO THE WHOLE WORLD, BESIDE THE YOUNG AND THE POOR

12 vita più

Italy Hong Kong - Cina st presence Macao - Cina 1 1808 East Timor 2 1860 (1893-1905: 1 India 1874 Portugal 3 1879 From 1955 the presence continues) 4 1889 Singapore 5 1893 Malaysia

Argentina 6 1894 Brazil 7 1905 Australia 8 1932 ) Japan 9 1948 Philippines 10 1949 Tanzania 11 1951 Democratic Republic of Congo 12 1954 st Sao Tomè House, opened by M. Grassi, 13 1956 (1 USA 14 1957 in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1886-1887 15 1959 Uganda 16 1961 Malawi 13

France - Lourdes st House at Marseilles, 1926-1927) 17 1971 (1 18 1975 Indonesia st House opened by Singapore, 1954-1959) 19 1979 (1

Kenya 20 1986 Canada

Mexico 21 1988 Papua New Guinea 22 1988 Poland 23 1991 Paraguay 24 1992 Angola 25 1992 Togo 26 1992 Sudan 27 1993 Ukraine 28 1994 Albania 29 1995 Myanmar 30 1995 31 1996 32 2013 P.ES OF LIFE

Bakhita, in Italy as a missionary From Sudan to Schio, the intercultural experience of the Canossian Saint

o relive the arrival in Schio of our Exercise she had recently made and de- sister Bakhita is to discover the clared herself ready to do the will of God Tmeaning of life and of the choices as her only good. made by her to belong totally to God. Therefore, with her heart once again Before making her vows, the young freed from human affections, we see her Bakhita had an encounter with the then arrive at Schio, ready to help in whatever Patriarch of Venice, the future Pope she could. This was the offering of herself Pius X who had indicated to her a path made since the initial call to be a Canos- of peace and holiness. To him she asked sian Daughter of Charity. what would happen of her family who did In Tale of Wonder we read of the Sisters’ not know Jesus because the missionar- amazement in meeting her, although ies had not as yet arrived at her village. they would have certainly known her Guided by her goodness, Giuseppe Sarto from the Novitiate where almost all reassured her that if someone in a fam- would have been there in Venice. The ily prays for their loved ones, the Lord news of a Canossian sister with dark knows how to reach them with his grace. 14 skin was certainly a curiosity for the For Bakhita, this meant entrusting her people of Schio or those who came to the family to the good Lord and to live with House from the surrounding areas. The joy God’s call as a religious. Canossian Institute was the only place We are not given more details of this en- available in the region for female forma- counter. Inspired by the Lord, the Patri- tion both human and religious. arch of Venice understood to what heights The archivist of Schio’s Duomo (Cathe- and depths the young Bakhita felt called. dral) however, documents that Bakhita If she had returned to Africa she would was not the first person of different eth- have been thrust back into slavery: “I nicity to arrive in Schio. A few years ear- would have lost my soul and my body” she lier an Augustinian nun had been regis- later confided to one of the sisters. Her tered as being “black”. Living only in the choice of Baptism precluded her return monastery she didn’t have the opportuni- among her people and she did so by let- ty of daily meeting with the people. She ting go of those who even in Italy she had died within a few years, and perhaps the learnt to love. Baptism transfigured her, only memory that remained among the was someone’s testimony that on that day local religious was that she came from a was near her. The free Bakhita had cho- different place. sen Jesus, first of all to share the mission of fulfilling the will of the Father, by lov- Those who met M. Bakhita in her early ing like him, to save all her brothers (and years at Schio remember her as being sisters) near and far…for eternity! close to them in the dormitory, in the courtyard, in the dining room where she Asked to leave Venice for Schio, Bakhi- would refill their plates more than once, ta voiced an expression of the Spiritual often beyond the pot’s capacity to serve vita più

memory is truly the most enduring. It is beautiful to also add that, as the young orphans relate, their situation changed with the arrival of Bakhita. But why? Probably Bakhita was then keeping watch in the dormitory and on waking up they remember her touch, a caress that comforted them and helped them to get up in feeling being loved even if their mum and dad were not there to hug them with their affection. These are the first encounters with M. Bakhita, with the most human needs of food and affection, of safety and watchful presence over them. At the same time, her kitchen helpers remember her apol- ogizing on their behalf when the Superi- or would call them for some unfulfilled duties and they would feel themselves to so many meals…, and would then look at being “saved” by her humility! one another astonished at what was hap- 15 pening! Table service involved the Sisters The little ones only knew chocolate and to take turns. When M. Bakhita served, also the stories would be about houses there was applause for the joy of having of chocolate, and Bakhita had just that M Moretta close to them and be served by colour! There are those who remember her. This is what witnesses relate. having licked her to verify it, or looking for water to wash their face thinking they A delicate touch reaches us through two were dirty following a kiss from her. Bakh- sisters: Laura, the eldest and Bruna, ita would notice and laugh with gusto. the youngest who came to us because Those who were near her would explain of the premature death of their mother. that she came from a land with lots of sun Living in front of the Institute, their fa- where everyone was dark like her and ther would watch out for them and the that her colour did not stain. There were youngest even tried to run away. It was those who brought her some soap and she then that, unknown to them so that their quickly would explain that not even all father could see them M. Bakhita would the water in the Adige River would make stroll in the vegetable garden holding her turn white. In seeing the faded palms them firmly and affectionately by the of her hands, a traveller asked how long hand – add the young girls now elderly. she had been in Italy. She must have re- When she heard that we were hungry she plied forty years and in seeing him con- would call us close to the kitchen window fused she added that in as many years and “would pass us a loaf of bread and also the top of her hand will have the how many kisses she would send us!” same colour. Anyone meeting her during This memory of the kisses of Bakhita, the night would be frightened because she added to their repeated story-telling over was dark, and she would promptly reply the years, confirms how the affective P.ES OF LIFE

that in the darkness we are all dark! ed to announce her freedom: she belonged to God, her spouse and to him she had cho- Her sense of humour would often come sen to belong, therefore, she was no longer to her help, although she would often say a slave and was “consecrated like you”. In she felt like a “rare beast” that can’t be other words, when they will see you act as avoided to be noticed, and she being nat- 16 a missionary they will see what I am here urally reserved and little inclined to ap- where I am, they will understand that I pear would suffer for having being noticed live in God’s family and that I am mother because of her appearance. Her life was of those entrusted to me because they are a secret love affair between her and her fragile and poor of affection! God, but more will be said of this later. The Bishop confided in us that in Sudan Last November we were visited by the there is a monument dedicated to the mis- Archbishop of El Obeid, Tombe Trille. He sionaries who have deprived their parents lived a day of retreat with Bakhita and and families of origin of their closeness. in the evening he joined the communi- ty for dinner together with the parish “Bakhita, he added, has been among you priest, Fr Mariano Ronconi. We told him the gift of consolation for so much sac- what we had shared with the Bishops of rifice lived by those who had children, the Episcopal Conference of Sudan and brothers (and sisters) and friends in the of South Sudan when they visited us in missions. In her you have seen the fruits September, adding that Bakhita had left of holiness that can reach you through a testament for her people. She entrust- faith. Bakhita has been the first mission- ed it to M. Teresa Formolo who assisted ary who arrived among you to tell you her before leaving for the missions: “Find our thanks for the faith, to console you my people and tell them that I belong to for the sacrifices made by you of those God and am consecrated like you!” you love and of your every gift that builds the Church, the Kingdom of God that in This is her message with which she want- the saints is already present among us!”

Sr Maria Carla Frison INTERVIEW vita CANOSSIAN WORLD più A professional school in a neighbourhood of Milan

parish in an Albanian city by the sea. An apartment on the second floor of block of flats in a A rundown periphery of Rome. A house for students in one of the most important University PAOLO BOVIO centres of Ukraine. A centre in Verona for literacy, language and integration for young migrants. A kindergarten on the outskirts of Lisbon as a point of reference for families of different origins and cultures.

What have these realities in common? They are Canossian realities intimately crossed by the aspect of interculturalism. And they are found in Europe.

It is from this continent – from the cradle of the Canossian charism – that begins the journey of VitaPiù in 2019. We will 17 meet the stories of young people attending the professional school in via Tagliamento, of carefree children chasing each other in the parish courtyard of St Blaise at Durrës, of the door always open at the house of Sr Vittoria at Ostia, of the university students of the College at Vinnytsja, of “The Samaritan” school animated by Sr Raffaella inVerona and of the kindergarten at Barcarena.

They hold a treasure of stories, memories, faces, encounters, services, witnesses, difficulties, joys and hopes.

Let us discover the intercultural face of the Canossian family in Europe.

ITALY P. 18 ALBANIA P. 2 0 ITALY P. 2 2

UKRAINE P. 24 ITALY P. 26 PORTUGAL P. 2 8 INTERVIEW CANOSSIAN WORLD

We need work The intercultural experience of the professional school of Milan-Corvetto

on’t walk in front of me, I risk of dispersion is high especially if may not follow. Don’t walk you live on the periphery. “Dbehind me for I would not Exactly in the neighbourhood of Corvet- know where to lead you. Walk beside to, on the south-east periphery of the me and we will be friends forever.” city, we find the professional school of This phrase is symbolic and it appears the Canossian sisters. The school was on the home page of the Canossian born to respond to a demand that often Centre for professional development State institutions are unable to respond in Milan. It is a school that the Canos- to. It guarantees a qualified professio- sian sisters wanted to have in Milan. nal formation to teenagers who, having And it isn’t just anywhere but on the completed Middle School, choose for a periphery, in the neighbourhood of Cor- thousand reasons not to attend higher vetto. education. They want an education Milan, the capital of the Lombardy that prepares them to work without Region, is the pulsating heart of the compromising a quality foundation in Italian economy. Its metropolitan area education. extends for thousands of square kilo- The CFP (Professional Formation metres and hosts over three million Centre) in via Tagliamento offers a inhabitants. We are talking about one three-year course (plus one year for 18 of the most multicultural territories of those who intend to obtain a Diploma Italy. In the city, its citizens of non-Ita- in higher education) in computerized lian origin are almost one to five, 19%. administration and secretarial work Milan offers points of excellence, deve- and a course for assistant cooks for di- lopment and livelihood that are reco- sabled adolescents. The school is really gnized and admired globally. Within it and truly an intercultural laboratory as there are also extensive areas of margi- up to two out of three students are from nalisation. In spite of the efforts by the outside origins. Regarding the rights of various public administrations of these citizens, Italian law makes reference last few years, the gap between the to the principle of ius sanguinis (right centre and the peripheries remains. Le- of blood) even if most are born in Italy arning remains and live the situation of not being for- a formidable mally Italian citizens. They are half ci- opportunity tizens, suspended between two worlds, for personal one being the language and the culture growth and of of the family – often originally from the access into the Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt, China, - world of work, the other being the Italian reality. although it is “We try to accompany every young not always easy person who has a special and precious to find the right story” relates Veronica Barzago, a te- path. For the acher at CFP for many years. “For us adolescents, the teachers, ‘interculturality’ is a daily

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challenge that we live daily in the clas- For example, this year for the feast of sroom.” It is a challenge played out in Christmas we organized a charity sale a context that is very little theoretical of cakes prepared by the disabled stu- and very practical. It passes from the dents in the course of assistant cooks. building of relations, to how one spea- The money collected will go towards 19 ks, how one acts in class, how one te- supporting a well in one of the Canos- aches, how one studies. It’s about how sian missions in Africa. All the students one accompanies these young people in were enthusiastic about the idea, in- their learning of knowledge that will dependently from their belief, as they assist them at work and, above all, in recognized the value of generosity and personal maturity. solidarity – a beautiful sign for everyo- And how is the Canossian style played ne. The greatest lesson, however,” con- out in all of this? cludes the teacher, “I believe is for us “The proposal is clear, at the time of educators as it lies in the witness of the being enrolled the young person and Canossian charism: to learn and reach their family accept the Plan offered for out to the other, to these ‘little ones’ their formation that is built on the va- who need us every day.” lues of Canossian education,” continues Ms Barzago. These values are accepted and owned by the students and their families who belong to other religions or none at all. “In the special seasons of Advent and Lent, the educators offer these young people some specific propo- sals not immediately aimed at passing on some religious content but rather to raise curiosity through the experience.

di Prof.ssa Veronica Barzago INTERVIEW CANOSSIAN WORLD

An intercultural pastoral service Announcing the Gospel in Albania

t can’t be but intercultural right and Orthodox. But religious people are through to one’s DNA, the pastoral themselves a minority within the pop- Iservice carried out by the Canos- ulation: more than half of Albanians, sian Sisters at Durrës, in Albania. It according to the last statistics, have de- is a city with an ancient history, pre- clared of professing no belief. This too viously known as Durazzo facing the is part of Albania’s history particularly Mediterranean Sea and from time im- following WWII and a dictatorship of memorial is at the crossroads of travel, communist style violently repressive of peoples, histories and cultures. Due to religious freedom. A country that has its history and geographical position known persecution and martyrdom, Al- of lying between the European coun- bania emerged from the XIX century. In tries and the Muslim world, Albania 1967 every religious manifestation was

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has been and is a mosaic of various forbidden. In its Constitution of 1876 cultures and religions. Living side by that remained in force till 1992, the side with diverse religions is a daily re- Albanian regime proudly proclaimed ality. Among the believers, the majority that Albania is the “first atheistic State adhere to Islam. The Christians are a in the world”. The repression touched scarce minority consisting of Catholics everyone without distinction, Catholics,

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Orthodox, Sunni Muslims, Bektashi (a Muslim spiritual movement derived from the Sufis). It was in Durrës that the Mufti, Mustafà Varoshi, and the Archbishop Prendushi ended up in the same prison and in the same tomb. Because of this and the Christian and Muslim communities found them- selves as sisters in their sufferings due to their faith. And faith did not end even in front of violence. It was passed on un- derground, by the families in their courses in English and Italian. “Above homes, by the religious who continued all, we try to be present and available to serve in hiding, running the risk of outside the planned activities”, relate being discovered, tortured and killed. the Sisters of Durrës. Only with the fall of the regime in the There is a special place where the in- 1990s, were Albanians able to taste tercultural and interreligious meeting freedom once again and to profess their happens every day: the kindergarten. 21 faith. It is frequented by little ones and fam- The wounds of the past are deep, but ilies that are Catholic, Orthodox and the Christian communities have re- Muslim …, growing together in respect sumed their journey. From 1996 a of diverse sensibilities and traditions. Canossian mission has been present “Presently, we are sowing”, the Sisters from the Delegation of Europe. At add. “The kindergarten, where every Durrës, the Sisters are active in serv- day we meet the little ones and their ing the parish of Shen Vlash (that is, families, is certainly good soil where we St Blaise). Their commitment at the can scatter abundant seeds.” service of the Gospel covers many occa- sions of encounter aimed at formation and sharing, beginning from the little ones to young people and families. Every Saturday morning there is cat- echesis for the children. On Sunday morning there is the celebration of the Eucharist, where the liturgy is ani- mated by the Sisters. This is followed by formation meetings for adolescents and young people. In addition there are

Sr Oksana Piatkovska INTERVIEW CANOSSIAN WORLD

With the door always open Sharing in the life of the poor: the experience of Sr Vittoria

Ostia is a periphery south-east of Rome. live her ‘sisters’: drug dependence, sick- Along the seafront, near the old aban- ness, and family conflicts caused by the doned marine airport, large apartment evil of those who exploit such poverty to buildings, built between the 60s and enrich themselves and to oppress, such 70s, massively stand out. As you grad- as organized crime and criminal clans. ually approach them, you realize how Where are the social services? They are much many of them appear really run mostly absent. down and neglected. The streets are the same. There are holes in the asphalt and Not everything is dark. Close to the es- mounds of rubbish. Here and there the planade, near the old marine airport, cement that covers most of the common close to the parish of St Vincent de Paul areas suddenly gives way to abandoned and among the intercoms of one of the and muddy ground. You can see shacks high-rise buildings of popular housing, here and there. Yet we are within the is the small apartment of Sr Vittoria, a confines of Rome, capital of Italy, one Canossian sister. She has lived there, on of the wealthiest countries in the West. the second floor since 1993. Yet, almost ninety thousand people live here and Ostia teems with life. Originally from Lodi and at 76 years of age, Sr Vittoria has for a long time 22 For certain, life here is a constant dai- carried out her ministry by working at ly battle against a thousand difficulties, the USMI (Union of Major Superiors of just like the flowers that grow along the Italy). “I have ardently desired to go the streets of Ostia and have to find an open- poor,” she relates. She knew that at Os- ing among the asphalt that threatens to tia there was a small community among choke them. Most of all there is pover- the government housing. The Canossian ty, extreme poverty. It’s a poverty that Sisters have been present in this neigh- permeates the streets and infiltrates bourhood since 1972. She asked to live everywhere. Together with the poverty there and has never left.

Living 25 years at Ostia! What does it mean to live among the poor? “For me it is a fulfilled desire, realized with difficulty. You know, it is one thing to dream being with the poor and anoth- er to truly live with them. Often they are neither lovable nor pleasant. It isn’t easy to deal with them. But they are real, they are real. Here I live authentic relationships, sincere, loyal, different from all those I have lived before.”

Sr Vittoria shares her life with the least, she keeps in touch with them; she helps

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them daily in a thousand small ways. such as medicines and clothes, and at But above all, she is there. this level everything is much simpler. They are occasions of possible encoun- How do you spend your day, Sister? ters. I don’t speak about being a Canos- “The apartment in which I reside be- sian sister but leave it to my actions and longs to the parish that has also a centre style to do the talking; they certainly on the ground floor facing the street.” see the veil and they ask, ‘What nun are It’s a real point of contact for the fam- you?’ Some covered Muslim women have ilies. “During the day we keep it open joked with me: ‘See that I too wear the and with the help of volunteers we dis- veil!’” tribute medicines; three days a week people can come to collect clothes; we The telephone rings continually. How- 23 also give them a food parcel in collabora- ever, the Canossian sister explains that tion with the parish Caritas.” But there one must attend to silence and prayer. is no real timetable since even after the “If you want to be faithful daily you centre closes, the door of Sr Vittoria is can’t lose sight of the centre. There is a always open. “Everyone knows where I good priest in the parish, Fr Fabio; also live and if in need they only have to use he lives among the poor. Every day he the intercom. They pass by for some as- opens the church for one and a half hour sistance or some advice, but mostly only of Eucharistic adoration, he proposes to tell me know how things are. You see prayer vigils and I too participate. In I don’t really do that much. However, these years I have found much strength they know that here they find a welcome in prayer. The experience of sharing has and someone to listen to their stories.” made me reflect much on my own life. You see, when I arrived I thought of Ostia is a very multi-ethnic neighbour- being here to do things. Instead I have hood and in front of Sr Vittoria’s house found the Lord. The point is not to think people of different cultures, places and about helping the poor but learn to see languages pass by. It is a true and prop- them, listen to them, live with them. It er intercultural laboratory. is the poor that have taught me to be “I must say that the intercultural en- poor. And now I feel to be the happiest counter, as you call it, is not particular- woman in the world.” ly difficult for me. What I want to say is that we meet during the daily needs

Sr Vittoria Alboni INTERVIEW CANOSSIAN WORLD

Walking with young people The intercultural community of Vinnitsa, at the service of university students

For young people, with young people. The intercultural dimension shapes the daily life of the Canossian community belonging to the European Delegation. Present in Vinnitsa, Ukraine, the com- munity is very active in its service of contact with the young university stu- dents that live in the city. At Vinnitsa, situated in the region of Podolia, with a population of almost 300,000 civilians, young people come flocking not only lege is always based on adherence to from around the country but also from the educational project of the School, around the world. For years they have inspired by St Magdalene of Canossa. come here to attend the University. To This is why, beside the time dedicated them, the Canossian sisters offer the to study, the College offers the young possibility to meet, to be listened to, to women times and spaces for personal be welcomed and accompanied. and group accompaniment. “Moments A part of the house where the sisters of encounter are fundamental,” ex- live is in fact designed as a Women’s plains Sr Rosa Raiti, of the community 24 University College called “School of of Vinnitsa, “because they allow us to Christian ethics and morality”. It hosts offer proposals based on values, since around thirty young women. These before being Christian and Canossian, girls transfer to Vinnitsa to study and they are human. We try to pass on to in the Canossian College they not only the girls values that open them to oth- find a place of welcome and appropriate ers, to service, to life.” For this, the Pro for their life as students, but also an Life Centre in the city, animated by the occasion of encounter with the sisters same Canossian sisters, is a precious and the opportunity to initiate and resource. In this educational service deepen ways of human and spiritual the intercultural and interreligious di- development. Admission to the Col- mensions play an important role. Pres- ently the College hosts 23 Ukrainian girls of various Christian confessions: Catholic, Greek-Orthodox and Ortho- dox, but also 11 students coming from India, Sri Lanka and other Asian coun- tries who profess Hinduism and Islam or belong to other reformed Christian groups. What is it like to build edu- cational relations in such an intercul- tural context, with different origins,

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25 cultures, languages and projects? It’s goes outside the College. In fact, it is simpler than one would think, relates years that the sisters are cultivating Sr Rosa. “Because it is part of daily life” a particular attention for a group of sister explains. “When you share the English-speaking young people, coming everyday struggles and joys, the initial mostly from Africa and Asia. “There are barriers are more easily overcome. Our moments of prayer for those who wish, experience teaches us that the girls especially during the high points in the allow themselves to be welcomed by us liturgical year. Every Sunday there is sisters beyond the differences because the possibility to celebrate the Eucha- they see that we for first, experience rist in English,” relate the sisters. “The interculturality!” The small Canossian proposals we make are open to every- community in Ukraine is in fact wholly one. We try to accompany the students, intercultural. The sisters come from It- beginning with their concrete needs of aly, India and Poland. The welcome be- being students. Young women and men tween sisters, between sisters and stu- involved in university studies and in dents and between students themselves the building of their personal life proj- makes the College of Vinnitsa a real ect need to be challenged, supported laboratory of positive interculturality. and guided.” Because any encounter The solicitude of the Canossian sisters happens in life. for the university students at Vinnitsa

di Sr Rosa Raiti INTERVIEW CANOSSIAN WORLD

An intercultural school Verona, from studying the language to the encounter with the other

he first months of 2007. The hou- intercultural encounters, passion for for- se “The Samaritan”, belonging mation and the teaching of Italian as an Tto the Caritas of Verona, has just occasion to meet. begun a work of welcome for homeless And so she begins. First alone and then people in a large shed on the periphery with some of the House volunteers who of the city. Among the guests there are make themselves available for this. a good number of strangers, some pas- With small steps, the “Italian Scho- sing through looking for work, others in ol, the Samaritan” is born. In one of various situations. A common question the meetings with the teachers, sister begins to emerge here and there in an expresses the mission of this new ad- ever clearer way, and is expressed in a venture, part of that of the House that request: “I would like to learn Italian.” has welcomed her. It is clear to everyone With such a clear request, comes the how important it is to understand and answer. Management calls Sr Raffaella express oneself in a totally new world, Mantovanelli and entrusts her with the unknown, with codes of behaviour that role to respond to this need. are often indescribable. The school, si- The Canossian sister is just the right ster explains “is not only the place whe- person. Her life as a teacher first brou- re one learns the language, although ne- ght her for many years to Singapore, cessary to communicate and be inserted teaching English in a pre-University in the society. It is much more. It is the 26 College. On returning to Italy, she spent first moment that incarnates the welco- twenty years as a teacher of the Catho- me we are called to realize. We are not lic religion. Not only. Already in the 90s, giving them only words but also what sister Raffaella had started programs they most need: to feel welcomed and of linguistic integration with the first valued for what they are. To feel that Sri Lankan communities that settled in in this world they can find their place. Verona. Her very own story speaks of Even if it is difficult they can make it.

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is now situated on the first floor of the historic Villa Francescatti, just a few steps from the centre of Verona and also from the neighbourhood of Veronetta, the multiethnic heart of the city. During these years she has established a strong collaboration with CPIA (provincial centres for the instruction of adults) for the whole province of Verona and for the guests of The Samaritan who no longer live within the structure but in external dwelling solutions. Every morning, Sister Raffaella is in They need this like bread, like we would class between 9am and 12noon just if we found ourselves in their situation.” as she did on the first day. Together She begins with a small group and finds with her, the group of teachers exhibit a place in the common room of the Hou- every day their untiring availability, se then in the day centre and little by a passion and fidelity that leave one little the students increase and other without words. Listening to them, it is teachers join in. All and always are vo- more what they learn from their stu- lunteers. For all intents and purposes, dents than what they transmit. One 27 the school is already one of the services could take this phrase for granted but of the House, an integral part of its mis- in reality, we are becoming convinced sion and from then on has never stopped that it is one of the narratives of being to be. With the beginning of 2011 and welcoming. Sooner or later one becomes the downfall of the situation in Libya, aware that this works like a mirror. The The Samaritan begins the adventure of result, in the words of a teacher, is that welcoming those seeking asylum, some “Differences become less frightening; already living in the House in scarce rather, they become a pleasant normali- numbers, while now they arrive in ty.” Now the service has been structured many. The school grows. and widened, proceeding with the help During that period whoever passed of an operator of The Samaritan and through the courtyard of The Samaritan many teachers who are rostered for the around 3.30pm would find themselves service. The students are more than se- surrounded by a swarm of arriving venty, divided among morning classes, bicycles… and then exercise books, the two evening turns and the CPIA backpacks and, proudly exhibited, the on the territory. But the spirit does not book that Sr Raffaella had personally change. The students themselves are written for them, containing the tea- saying this, also when they have com- ching material created during a lifetime pleted the course and return to greet of teaching. us and thank us, also when they are in We arrive to today. In over eleven years other cities or in other countries. They the school, following various moves due still say it in their own words, Italian to the increasing number of students, words, that have the taste of bread.

Sr Raffaella Mantovanelli INTERVIEW CANOSSIAN WORLD

The colours of interculturality The Canossian school of Barcarena, on the outskirts of Lisbon

arcarena is a hamlet in the di- tural reality. Many of its citizens today strict of Oeiras, a little over 15 have roots near and far that originate Bkms from the centre of Lisbon. in Brazil, Cape Verde, Ukraine, Angola, We are on the outskirts of the metro- Guinea Bissau, Romania, Sao Tomé politan area of the capital of Portugal. and China. One can see in the popula- It is a densely urbanized area and in- tion traces of Portugal’s colonial past tensely populated. It is enough to think and also its belonging to the European that Oeiras has 171thousand inhabi- Union in an ever more globalized wor- tants of whom eleven thousand live in ld. The face of today’s Portugal is in Barcarena alone, while the total metro- effect more and more coloured. polis of Lisbon consists of almost half a million of people. At Barcarena, from almost fifty years, there is the presence of a Canossian We are speaking about a very develo- community, a small community of five ped territory and in continuous growth. sisters. Their principal ministry, at the One can find many companies of te- service of the local community, is the chnology in an area among the most school that has grown over the years to advanced in Europe regarding research become a real point of reference for the and progress. During these last years, neighbourhood. We have a chat with Sr 28 this growth has attracted people from Isabel Ferreira. all around the world creating Sr Isabel, what points of excel- can you tell us lence and of dy- about the Canos- sfunction. With sian School in the advance of Barcarena? globalization the It is a beautiful whole of Portu- school that con- gal has grown tinues to grow! into an intercul- The structure consists of a kin- dergarten and a child care centre. At present the kindergarten welcomes 70 children, while the child care centre 43 little ones. Our school is registered with the Portuguese authorities.

What types of families enrol their chil- dren at the school?

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moments of prayer, especially in times of Advent and Lent and celebrations for the feasts of Magdalene and Bakhita. The parents seem to appreciate this and they never forbid their children to participate: there are no walls. On our part, we try to cultivate attention and respect for the different religious tradi- tions in daily aspects such as food.

Here we are on the outskirts of Lisbon Also mums and dads participate in the- and the prevailing social standing is se moments of encounter? the middle class and below. It’s a mixed We try to involve them also with ap- situation. We welcome children from pointments and proposals outside the the village as well as from other areas. school hours. Unfortunately, we don’t always succeed. This is why it is more What are the criteria for admission to important to let the day itself speak the school? through our educational style and the We try to give preference to the chil- care for relations with the teachers and dren in the area or whose parents work the parents. It is in this that the possi- 29 in the area. The requests are many! bility to create beautiful and authentic relationships takes place. Beyond the It looks as if your educational program differences between cultures and ori- is appreciated. gins, it is always possible to meet. This Yes, I would say so. One of the mothers is what the experience of this school recently told me: “My children come never ceases to teach us as Canossian here willingly because they like the sisters! school! It seems that there is a parti- cular care.” Our presence is recognized and appreciated because it has a clear educational proposal based on Gospel values and on the Canossian charism.

Do you also admit children from non-Christian families or non-religious? How is you rapport with them? In the last years the number of non-Ca- tholic families who approach us has increased. They know that they find welcome and respect. Our proposal is clear and the activities consist of also

di Sr Isabel Ferreira PERSONALITY vita Byung-Chul Han più Byung-Chul Han, a contemporary philosopher saddling Korea and Europe

e was born in the capital of himself. However, we don’t think of South Korea, but since the being mistaken if we affirm that this is H80s has lived in Germany. He something at the heart of his sensiti- studied metallurgy but became an veness and writing, and it is certainly influential scholar of culture. His ori- also the fruit of his experience of per- ginal culture is Korean but today he is sonal intercultural encounters. one of the most prominent European thinkers. His first academic works on Heideg- ger, Hegel and the scientific-cultural We are speaking of Byung-Chu Han. concept of death, were already wi- Born in Seoul in 1959, he obtained a de-ranging. From the year 2000, Han degree in metallurgy at the Korean has fully dedicated himself to a critical University, following which he made a reflection of contemporary society for choice that would influence his whole which he has coined the phrases of life: to transfer to Europe to study phi- a “tired society” and a “transparent losophy. It has been a geographical and society”. Han has researched the fun- cultural jump from which was born an ctions and dysfunctions of a capitalist intellectual journey among the most and neoliberal society. He has analysed passionate of contemporary culture. the anthropological and social conse- 30 Following his arrival in Germany, Han quences of the process of globalization, studied philosophy, German literature taking into consideration the forms of and Christian theology, first at Frei- interpersonal rapports, communication burg in Brisgovia and then in Monaco and political representation. of Bavaria. In 1994, his goal was doc- torate in research, his thesis being on His is an analysis without prejudi- one of the major philosophers of the ces but also without discounting and XIX century, Martin Heidegger. After a making light on the extent that the period teaching at Basel, Switzerland, dominant social constructs risk to con- from 2012 Han is a lecturer at the Uni- strict the person to mere service of the versity of Künste in Berlin where he idols of productivity. By making work teaches Cultural Sciences. absolute as the only way to human re- alization, Han warns, is to deprive (the From the very beginning, his reflection person) of breath and spirit. It is then has shown the capacity to intersect necessary to once again make place for various disciplines and interpreta- contemplative life in its daily dimen- tions, moving from ethics to social sion, that is, to learn to stop, to linger, philosophy, from phenomenology to to pause so as to reclaim a long and the theories of culture and media, wi- cordial look on things and relations. thout forgetting religious thought and We need to allow ourselves to be ama- aesthetics. Byung-Chu Han doesn’t zed, just like the title of his book that like interviews and public declara- we advise you to read, by the “perfume tions and doesn’t love to talk about of time”. vita più

31 BOOKS

Books

We are always running out of time. In a flurry, we seek to make experiences of all that our hyper-productive world has to offer. This “age of anguish”, in reality, makes us anxious, stressed, and disorientated. It is about this fact, that a Korean philosopher with German formation, from Aristotle and Thomas to Heidegger and Arendt, by means of Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche and Proust is questioning himself. According to Han, we need to re-assign a place to contem- plative life in its daily and most simple form. This means re-learning to stop and linger. Only a contemplative gaze AUTHOR BYUNG-CHUL HAN can restore to time its perfume. TITLE THE PERFUME OF TIME

32 THE ART OF LINGERING ON THINGS PUBLISHER VITA E PENSIERO

Why is liberal democracy in a period of crisis? Is a new world conflict in view? What is the meaning of the rise of po- pulisms? How can we face the problems linked to inequality, climatic change and migration? What must we teach our children more urgently? What are the critical urgencies and potentialities of an encounter between cultures and religions? In a world submerged by useless in- formation, regaining lucidity is more than vital. In this book, an Israeli in- tellectual, following the success of “Sa- piens” and “Homo Deus”, tries to create space in the tempests of today’s events AUTHOR YUVAL NOAH HARARI by facing some of the most urgent que- stions on the global agenda. TITLE TWENTY-ONE LESSONS FOR 21ST CENTURY PUBLISHER BOMPIANI vita più

Gathering together numerous and rich contributions from various scholars, this volume traces a theory in which the critical pedagogy of intercultural communication can be dreamed of, imagined and realized in practice. Va- rious chapters explore the questions surrounding the relationships between intercultural communication pedagogy, critical ethnography and the narrative method, thanks to the use of a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches. It is a collection of essays theoretically innovative and pedagogi- cally encouraging. AUTHOR VARIOUS AUTHORS TITLE CRITICAL INTERCULTURAL

COMMUNICATION PEDAGOGY 33 EDITORE LEXINGTON BOOKS

The relationship between cultures was a decisive dimension in the human and spiritual experience of the Apostle of the Gentiles, born in the southern region of present day Turkey, a Hellenized Jew formed in Jerusalem. An untiring traveller, he sensed the universality of the gospel message – “there is no longer Jew or Greek “ (1 Co 11) – and he contributed in a decisive way to the proclamation of the Good News in the Mediterranean unified under the Roman Empire and thriving with cultures, religions, mentalities and different traditions. The book, a collection of discourses of AUTHOR JOSEPH RATZINGER Pope Benedict XVI during the year dedicated to St. Paul in 2008, is still a TITLE PAOLO. L’APOSTOLO DELLE GENTI valid reference point for reflection on PUBLISHER SAN PAOLO the figure of Paul. NEWS

34 EUROPE 2019: A DECISIVE YEAR

The year that has just begun will be decisive for the future of Europe, which for more than 70 years has been seen by the whole world as a project of peace, an ambitious and efficacious integration of cultures. The European ‘family’, conceived as a real collaboration between the Countries most hit by the tragedy of World War II, has grown over the last fifty years creating the largest space in the world today for free movement of people and goods. What had been developed as a community of economic cooperation has grown to the point of creating shared democratic institutions that have developed common policies in the sectors of agriculture, environment, formation, culture and currency. From six founding Countries, the European Union has extended to include 28 members. It stretches from the Atlantic to the great central plains, from Scandinavia to the islands of the Mediterranean. This project has guaranteed more than 70 years of peace for a continent that has always been lacerated by rivalries and bloody wars, permitting free movement for almost 500 million people. The successes enjoyed in Europe cannot, however, hide the obstacles and uncertainties met in the process of integration, such as the 35 defeat of the European Constitution or the referendum that will cause Brexit, the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. The motto of the EU is “United in diversity”. These words underline how the peculiarities of each member of the European family can become richness if perceived, elaborated and carried out not in opposition to one another but as a possible common ground for encounter, sharing and common growth. More than describing the present situation, these words indicate a possible destination. In fact, European unity appears today to be evermore threatened by tensions when facing the considerable challenges it has to face: the challenge of migration and intercultural encounters, of sustainable development, of competitiveness and solidarity, of the progressive democratization of European institutions. Not only, but individualistic temptations of its member States are increasing and certain governments have adopted positions evermore Eurosceptic. From 25th-28th May, throughout the European Union elections will be held for the renewal of the European Parliament. This will be a decisive event because European citizens will be called upon to choose which future they want for Europe. NEWS

The European Union, an ambitious project of peace and cultural integration The fundamental stages of the construction of Europe

The Founding Fathers With the addition of Denmark, Ireland Farsighted leaders had the inspiration and the United Kingdom on 1st January to create the European Union in which 1973, the number of member States of we live today. Without their efforts and the Union rose to nine. The fall of the motivation, we would not be living in an Salazar regime in Portugal in 1974 atmosphere of peace and stability that and the death of General Franco of we take for granted. Resistance fighters, Spain in 1975 sealed the end of the expert politicians, intellectuals, the last dictatorship in Europe. Regional founding fathers were a heterogeneous community policies began to assign group of people inspired by the same large sums of money to create new ideals – peace, unity and prosperity. jobs and infrastructures in the poorest areas. The European Parliament gained The Dawn of Cooperation (1945- more influence in the conduction of the 1959) EU and, in 1979, for the first time, a The project of a super-national unity universal election took place. of European countries came into being after World War II to put an end to The fall of the Berlin wall, Europe bloody conflicts that had brought wars changes face (1980-1989) and the collapse of the continent. In In 1981, Greece became the tenth State 36 the 1950s, the European Community, to join the EU, while Portugal and a producer of coal and steel, began to Spain joined five years later. In 1986, add other European countries to their the Single European Act was signed. It economic and political plan with the set the base for a six-year programme aim of guaranteeing lasting peace. The designed to resolve the problems that six founding members were Belgium, still prevented the fluidity of exchange France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg and between member States of the EU the Netherlands. In 1957, the Treaty of and thus created the European Single Rome instituted the European Economic Market. A great political upset was Community (EEC) or “Common brought about when, on 9th November Market”. 1989, the Berlin wall was knocked down and, for the first time after 28 years, A period of economic growth (1960- frontiers were opened between East and 1969) West Germany. This brought about the The 1960s were good years for the reunification of East and West Germany economy, thanks to the fact that the in October 1990. countries of the EU did not apply customs duty to the exchange of goods. Europe without frontiers (1990- They agreed to a common control of food 1999) production, thus guaranteeing sufficient With the fall of Communism in central supplies for the entire population. In and Eastern Europe, European citizens a short time, a surplus of agricultural felt closer to one another. In 1993, production was registered. work was completed on the single market regarding the “four freedoms” of An expanding community – first circulation of goods, services, people and expansion (1970-1979) capital. The 1990s saw two important vita più

treaties: the Treaty of Maastricht on the A complex decade (2010 to today) European Union (1993) and the Treaty A global economic crisis hit Europe of Amsterdam (1999). In 1995, three hard. The EU helped many countries to new States joined the Union, Austria, face their difficulties and instituted a Finland and Sweden. A small locality “banking union” with the aim of making 37 in Luxemburg gave its name to the the banking sector more stable and Schengen agreement that gradually reliable. In 2012, the European Union allowed citizens to travel freely without received the Nobel Prize for Peace. In passport control at the frontiers. 2013, Croatia became 28th Member Millions of young people started to State of the EU. Religious extremism study abroad through the Erasmus increased in the Middle East and in programme. various countries and regions of the world, provoking instability and wars Towards the Unity of the Continent that forced many to flee from their (2000-2009) homes in search of refuge in Europe. The Euro is today the new currency for The EU, besides facing the dilemma of many Europeans and in the course of taking care of them, became the target these ten years, a greater number of of various terrorist attacks. In 2016, the countries adopted it. With the addition majority of British citizens voted in a of ten new States in 2004, followed by referendum to leave the EU. This was Bulgaria and Romania in 2007, the the start of Brexit, still uncertain after political divisions between Eastern 3 years. and Western Europe were definitely The future of the EU will depend on healed. A financial crisis hit the world its capacity to face the challenges of economy in September 2008. The Treaty sustainability, intercultural cooperation, of Lisbon was ratified by all member formation, the promotion of human countries before it came into force in rights, development and solidarity. 2009. Through this Treaty, Europe Thus, the European elections in May adopted modern institutions and more 2019 will be a decisive event. efficient working methods. NEWS

From the Synod to the WYD in Panama The Church continues its journey with young people

rom Rome to Panama. we have studied it and we have approved From Europe to the Americas. From it. Now the Spirit gives us the document Fthe city, that preserves the memory so that it may work in our hearts. For it to of the Apostle Peter and the Chair of his work in us, it is important to pray with the successors called to lead the Church, to the document and study it.” stretch of land that joins the two extremes of a continent that extends till it almost Like the disciples of Emmaus touches the two Poles. This event is also It is always a question of being on the intense from a symbolic viewpoint, since it move. Just like those two disciples who, continues the itinerary after the conclusion having made their experience of the Risen of the Synod of Bishops on the theme of Lord on the road from Jerusalem to Em- young people, faith and vocational discern- maus, returned in haste to run through the ment (28th October 2018) and is bringing streets of the Holy City announcing their us to 34th World Youth Day (22th – 27th overwhelming joy caused by their encounter January). with Jesus. It is not by chance that pre- cisely the episode of Emmaus, recounted Always on the move at the end of Luke’s gospel, was chosen as After a year dedicated to reflection, lis- the icon and guiding thread for the Synod’s tening, confronting ideas and discussion final document. A choice that involves a 38 on how the Church can accompany young responsibility: “walking with them” means people in facing life, that the Lord calls its choices and an the whole Church experience of faith, too – priests and we are once again religious, lay people on the move. We are and families – to called anew to live – walk together with especially spiritually young people. – the experience of returning to the path The theme of XXX- as disciples. IV World Youth Day The Biblical icon The legacy of the chosen for the WYD Synod in Panama is from Pope Francis re- a passage of Luke’s minded us of this in gospel, “I am the his closing address handmaid of the to the assembly of Bishops. He pointed out Lord, let it be done to me as you have said.” that the result of this extraordinary itiner- (Lk 1:38) The person of Mary, contemplated ary of approaching youth and exchanging in the joyful mysteries, is again at the cen- ideas in the Synod is not only judged by tre of attention, just as in the WYD 2017 the pages that sprang from discussions and (Lk 1:49) and that of 2018 (Lk 1:30). The proposals made in commissions and in the appointment in Panama will be the third assembly. “The purpose of the Synod is not stage of a spiritual journey proposed by a document, we are laden with documents. Pope Francis, which wants to give these Certainly, we have drawn up a document, three WYDs a marked Marian connotation. vita più

At the same time, it recalls the image of The message of the Pope youth on the move between past (2017), In his message for the WYD, Francis en- present (2018) and future (2019), animated trusts us with a courageous and demanding by the three theological virtues of faith, task. The Pope invites young people to 39 hope and charity. This journey, relaunched dream on a large scale and in a concrete by the Synod, continues with eyes fixed on way, committing themselves in the struggle Mary, mother of discernment, to whom the against mistaken ideas and injustices pres- Pope and the Church entrust young people. ent in the world. They must transform prin- ciples into practice in society through the The Logo Gospel message of joy, service and frater- Mary is central in the logo chosen for this nity, promoting the common good, dignity, event, elaborated by Ambar Calvo, a uni- solidarity and subsidiarity. It is not enough versity student of Panama and winner of a just to think, reflect and exchange ideas, competition regarding the logo for XXXIV Pope Francis says. We need to get totally in- WYD. In this logo, one can note the Pana- volved. “I do not dream of groups of young- ma Canal that symbolizes the path of the sters sitting under trees discussing social pilgrim who finds in Mary the way to meet- doctrine. It is good to discuss, continue to do ing Jesus. One can see the outline of the it. However, my dream is more ambitious: I Isthmus of Panama as a place of encounter, want a million young Christians, or better the Cross of the Pilgrim and the outline of still, a whole generation, to be the “Social the Virgin who says, “let it be done to me as Doctrine on the move” for their peers. Only you have said”. There are also white dots those who surrender themselves to it with that symbolize Mary’s crown and the pil- Jesus will transform the world and, guided grims from all five continents. The outline by him, be led to the marginalised of society. of the logo, that has the shape of a heart Get involved in politics and fight for justice and the letter M as a symbol of the phrase and dignity, and especially for the poorest.” “Bridge over the world, heart of the uni- verse”, brings to mind the name of Mary as a bridge to reach Jesus. PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIAL Meeting new worlds The dawn of the Canossian Missions

hey were young women from the regions of Brianza, Veneto and Lombardy. Many of them had just fin- Tished their formation in the Novitiate. They left Italy full of enthusiasm and trepidation, destined for unknown lands, following the intuition of Mgr. Angelo Ramazzotti, taken up by M. Luigia Grassi. It was 1860. They depart- ed from Pavia and arrived in Hong Kong many months later, disembarking in the creaking commercial port of an English colony. Today, it is one among many at the feet of skyscrapers in one of the most important metropolis of the world. As well as leaving the world they knew, they had to abandon their entire luggage since everything was ru- ined by seawater and was useless. They had to face a new language, a different culture and customs. But what they carried in their hearts was sufficient: the desire of making Jesus “known and loved everywhere”, just as Magdalene had said. First, there was the house in Caine Road that cared for orphaned children, then the care of the sick and the poor. A few years later, their generosity and readiness brought a few of them to respond with another ‘yes’; a response to the Catholic Bishop of Han Ken who called them to mainland 40 China, to Hubei, to bring the Gospel message and take care of the least and provide education for young girls. Let us rediscover the story of these Canossian missionary pioneers, let us allow them to speak to us through these photos – so powerful and moving – that show their ded- ication in the daily gift of self. These simple gestures of welcoming, support, closeness, of more than a century and a half ago, have a message for us and for our mission today. 41 XXXIV WORLD YOUTH DAY 23 29 WITH POPE FRANCIS IN PANAMA JANUARY 2019

INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST 27 REMEMBRANCE DAY J A N U A R Y 2019 E V E N T S

ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF DON LIBERA 63RD ANNIVERSARY OF M. FERNANDA’S ARRIVAL 22 IN MUMBAI 42 J A N U A R Y 2019 28 DATA PRIVACY DAY J A N U A R Y 2019

GIORNATA DELLA VITA 2 CONSACRATA F E B R U A R Y 2019 3 41° GIORNATA DELLA VITA FEBRUARY 2019 4 WORLD CANCER DAY F E B R U A R Y 2019 FESTA DI SANTA INTERNATIONAL MOTHER GIUSEPPINA BAKHITA LANGUAGE DAY GIORNATA CONTRO 21 8 LA TRATTA F E B R U A R Y F E B R U A R Y 2019 2019 26 F E B R U A R Y 2019 159TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEPARTURE OF THE FIRST CANOSSIAN MISSIONARIES FOR HONG KONG

MARCH 2019 APRIL 2019

NASCITA DI SANTA WORLD HEALTH DAY MADDALENA DI CANOSSA 1 7 43 MARCH 2019 APRIL 2019 43 INTERNATIONAL MORTE DI SANTA WOMEN’S DAY MADDALENA DI 8 10 CANOSSA MARCH 2019 APRIL 2019 INTERNATIONAL DAY LE PRIME MISSIONARIE ARRIVANO IN HONG 20 OF HAPPINESS 12 KONG APRIL 2019 MARCH 2019 PALM SUNDAY - 41° GIORNATA DELLA VITA INTERNATIONAL DAY BEGINNING OF HOLY OF FORESTS 14 WEEK 21 WORLD POETRY DAY

MARCH 2019 APRIL 2019 22 WORLD WATER DAY 21 EASTER SUNDAY VOICA

A new Foundation with ancient roots

ntegration, communion, solidari- ty: being inspired by these three Iguiding principles, the Canossian Foundation and VOICA (Internation- al Canossian Voluntary Work) have come together in a new phase of their journey. This change is reassumed in a 44 new logo that unites in the same image charity carried out in practice, inspired – and thus in the same reality – both by the Gospel and animated by a limit- organisations. less number of concrete initiatives ac- If organisational formulas are updated cording to Magdalene’s great intuition. and adapted to the times, their aims re- The choice made today is that of valu- main always the same and that means ing the fact of belonging to the same organisation and the desire to operate evermore in a spirit of sharing and col- laboration, establishing harmony based on the promotion of mission among the poor of the world. Working in synergy, strengthening a common itinerary of integration and communion means renewing our com- mitment in favour of the marginalized and the “outcast”, of those who live on the peripheries of the great metropolis of our Planet or in the regions of Afri- ca, Asia and Latin America, and even Europe, where economic, social and environmental conditions are especially 45

difficult. Christian values. This is why it is al- We want to continue helping and sup- ways very important to unite all forces porting many families, children, girls and help increase the solidarity, efforts and boys, whom we have met over the and help of sympathizers, friends and years. We will carry on promoting dif- supporters. ferent forms of development in educa- tion that contribute, through our small efforts, to the reduction of inequalities and injustices in the world. To make all this possible the Canos- sian religious communities present in all five continents are in the forefront. However, decisive is the work of many volunteers, doctors, social workers, teachers and educators who share with us the same mission and the same

Sr Liliana Ugoletti FOUNDATION

Along the paths of charity throughout the world The numerous projects for development promoted by the Canossian Foundation

chools and accommodation for girls and boys, professional Scourses for youngsters, water wells, health care, scholarships, purchase of computers, electric generators, formation for teachers, child sponsorship for individuals and a whole class. This, and much more, is what the Canossian Foundation does every year in many parts of the world. They are small and great initiatives school and St. Michel’s community that, following the Gospel, help to library. Here, there is need of a few improve the lives of many people and computers, books in French and a the world in which we live. generator for the photocopier. The Thus, with the help, support, local dispensary needs a car to bring generosity and friendship of the sick to hospital. These may seem 46 small things, but really, they are bare necessities in a place where there is little or nothing. For this reason, the contribution of everyone is important. We are trying to accomplish something important in Arusha, Tanzania, where we have promised to supply furniture and equipment for the “Canossa so many of you, we are able to Primary School”. In this way, we realise projects in the spheres will provide buildings and equipment of healthcare, education and for 600 children and their teachers. formation in developing countries. In many similar places, Paraguay, Among the many initiatives we India, Indonesia, we are working to have promoted and on which we are working, some of them are in the alleviate the difficulties of those who Democratic Republic of Congo, and live in extreme conditions of poverty, precisely in Aru, an eastern province especially offering hope for a better life of the country. In the township of to many youngsters. Aru, where a community of Canossian For this reason, it is so important to Sisters is present, there is a primary support the Canossian Foundation.

Francesco Peloso HOW TO GIVE

POSTAL ORDER NUMBER

POSTE ITALIANE S.p.A. n. 62011531 Fondazione Canossiana per la Promozione e lo Sviluppo dei Popoli

BANK TRASFER IN EUROS

Banca Popolare di Sondrio Filiale di Roma Sede Viale C. Pavese n. 336 - 00144 Roma IBAN: IT83 E056 9603 2110 0000 5128X88 BIC/SWIFT: POSOIT22 Intestato a: Fondazione Canossiana per la La buona politica è al servizio Promozione e lo Sviluppo dei Popoli della pace BANK TRASFER IN EUROS Pace a questa casa!” Inviando in Banca Popolare di Sondrio Filiale di Roma missione i suoi discepoli, Gesù dice Sede IBAN: IT53 D056 9603 211V ARUS 0005 128 loro: «In qualunque casa entriate, 47 BIC/SWIFT: POSOIT22 prima dite: “Pace a questa casa!”. Se vi Intestato a: Fondazione Canossiana per la sarà un figlio della pace, la vostra pace Promozione e lo Sviluppo dei Popoli scenderà su di lui, altrimenti ritornerà su di voi» (Lc 10,5-6). Offrire la pace è al cuore della missione dei discepoli di Cristo. E questa offerta è rivolta a tutti coloro, uomini e donne, che sperano nella pace in mezzo ai drammi e alle violenze della storia umana. La “casa” di cui parla Gesù è ogni famiglia, ogni comunità, ogni Paese, ogni continente, nella loro singolarità e nella loro storia; è prima di tutto ogni persona, senza distinzioni né discriminazioni. È anche la nostra “casa comune”: il pianeta in cui Dio ci ha posto ad abitare e del quale siamo chiamati a prenderci cura con sollecitudine. Sia questo dunque anche il mio augurio all’inizio del nuovo anno: “Pace a questa casa!

[Messaggio di Papa Francesco per la 52.ma Giornata Mondiale della Pace] Aquí, este es nuestro momento…. Une prophétie qui continue…. È o dia de Deus…. Insieme, in cammino…ora!

“ Padre Misericordioso, Tu ci chiami a vivere la nostra vita come un cammino di salvezza: aiutaci a guardare al passato con gratitudine, ad assumere il presente con coraggio e a costruire il futuro con speranza. Signore Gesù, amico e fratello, ti ringraziamo perché ci guardi con amore; fa’ che possiamo ascoltare la tua voce risuonare nel cuore di ciascuno di noi, con la forza dello Spirito Santo. Concedici la grazia di essere chiesa in uscita, annunciando con fede viva e con il volto giovane la gioia del Vangelo, per partecipare alla costruzione di quella società più giusta e fraterna che sogniamo. Ti affidiamo il Papa e i vescovi, i presbiteri e i diaconi, la vita consacrata, i volontari, i giovani Santa Maria la Antigua, Patrona di Panama, fa’ che possiamo pregare e vivere con la tua stessa generosità: “Ecco la serva del Signore; avvenga per me secondo la tua parola” (Lc 1,38). Amen. ”

CASA GENERALIZIA DELLE FIGLIE DELLA CARITÀ CANOSSIANE

via della Stazione di Ottavia, 70 00135 Roma - Italia