The
refugee emergency calls upon the conscience and sets in motion a network of
solidarity involving local institutions. Experiences from northern Italy
– “Let
us pray for hearts capable of embracing refugees.” These words were spoken by Pope
Francis on 8th July, 2013 during a pastoral visit to Lampedusa where
he was deeply touched by the never-ending exodus of refugees fleeing from
hunger, fear, war and every form of distress in their homelands.
The story
of Cristina, Elena and Maria Norena begins with an Italian language course. The three of them are members of
the Focolare
Movement, who felt called to be more personally involved in
helping people in need. “It was in May 2011,” Elena explains, “the boats were
coming at an unrelenting pace. Some 25,000 people were coming in from war-torn
Libya. Two hundred immigrants came to our province in Trento. Most of them were
young men between the ages of 18 and 30.” Maria Norena continues: “I also saw
the lack of relationship and social life. These men told us of their solitude
and they were suffering because they couldn’t speak Italian. Right away the
others in our group offered their support and we began this project.”
The
experience spread quickly and even some public institutions became involved. Cristina says: “We
wanted to secure a future for these young men. With the help of many people we
began to advertise in the local newspapers especially that of the diocese,
trying to give a voice to these voiceless men. The bishop of Trent appealed to
the Christian community to show concern for the young men who are our brothers
and sisters.”
Meanwhile,
the provincial administration decided to lengthen the project by granting
two years of assistance to each immigrant from the date of arrival. At the end
of the two-year period, the young men have to leave their temporary lodgings.
Maria
Norena recounts: “We involved several parish groups and members of the local
Focolare community in gathering funds and finding jobs for the young men so that
they could enter into society and find permanent housing.” Cristina interjects:
“Currently we have found homes for 16 of our young friends. We continue to
experience the help of Providence which is always there to meet our great and
small needs. We received 4 bicycles that were useful, because one of the men
lives far from the city where there is no bus service. We also received a
washing machine. That was a real need!”
One boy who lives in a guest house run by some
Focolare Volunteers, wrote to us: “I thank you for everything you
are doing, for the trust you have shown me, for believing in my honesty. I love
you very much.”
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