In recent days, in the hall of the parish of San Giuseppe Artigiano, in fact, in the presence of the director of Caritas, Don Fabio Stanizzo, an organizational meeting took place in anticipation of the arrival of 42 boys and girls with eight companions, who, coming from Nikopol in Ukraine, will arrive in Lamezia Terme next July 1st to spend fifteen days of carefree time away from that war-torn territory. During the meeting, an organizational and logistical point of view was taken, thinking about recreational and entertainment activities for all the children, adolescents and adults who accompany them, in synergy with all the religious, operators and volunteers available and involving local communities.
The reception experiences experienced in the past year were extremely positive and intense and made it possible to help children and young people in processing the trauma of war, offering them safe places in which to discuss and grow with confidence in a peaceful future. This is how the human and social value that has developed in recent years is immense and can be summarized in the effects it has produced in the past on carers, who found themselves in a delicate condition and with overlapping roles as educators, operators, but also refugees; on the minors, who were able to enjoy a peaceful holiday, and on the welcoming communities who experienced solidarity and generosity, in a priceless sharing process.
The program, launched in 2022, immediately after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, and supported by the Italian Episcopal Conference has made it possible to welcome more than 700 minors and accompanying adults to Italy to date, who again this year, from 15 June on August 30th it will allow as many minors, with their companions, in different periods and places, to spend a holiday in Italy far from the war and the difficult conditions they have been experiencing for more than two years now.
The “It’s more beautiful together” project is not just a welcome project but is an extraordinary opportunity for community animation. Starting from ourselves, from our teams, from our delegations, we are called to involve and network the different territorial realities: the city community, schools, municipalities, associations, the ecclesial community (parishes, groups, movements), young people and all the individuals intercepted by the welcoming dioceses. The desire is that, through the preparation and then the meeting with the children and young people, the community is accompanied in building a supportive fraternity that has the theme of peace at heart, that knows how to safeguard that profound sense of humanity, which is an expression of charity.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the CEI, last May 20, in front of the General Assembly of Bishops, had hoped for the promotion of “solidarity actions” and the definition of “inclusive and truly incisive solutions, capable of strengthening the sense of community and mutual care, so that no one is cut off or left behind” and that communities become “places of welcome for all” because “it is welcome that also broadens the heart and becomes testimony to a renewed culture of peace: in in this sense we will welcome minors from Ukraine for a summer of solidarity”.
