From Ancona, Italy, we received this small seed of brotherhood, which came about on the occasion of New Year’s Eve 2018. Here’s what they wrote to us.

« With our friends of the city of Ancona, with whom we try to live the culture of unity, we have been collaborating with the Diocesan Caritas, the canteen of the ‘Opera Padre Guido’ (Work of Fr. Guido), and the Xaverian Laity for various local initiatives. From this friendship, the idea went through of organizing a New Year’s party together: not a party for the “poor” but for everyone.

Actually, our “party” had already begun with its preparation, which was characterized by a family atmosphere, beyond our differences.

The first step was renting the large gym of a parish church downtown. Actually, we were a little “high-flown,” because in that moment we did not know exactly how many people would be interested in our proposal. Nevertheless, after the first few days of uncertainty, as the New Year approached, an increasing number of people registered, up to the final figure of about 170 participants.

The party experience was incredible!

Already in the morning, while setting up the room, in the kitchen, and during the preparations for the bingo, we felt we were part of a large family made up of people of all ages, belonging to different associations, various nationalities, “rich” and “poor,” with so many different personal stories, but a family that managed to act in harmony.

When the long wait eventually gave room to the party, everyone was able to give their contribution in terms of creativity, dance, and games. In particular, our young people and teens, who animated the evening to the end, with dancing and involving everyone, were so happy to express themselves, according to their respective culture».