A group of volunteers visits the Psychoneurological Hospital in Novosibirsk, Russia

A group of volunteers from Novosibirsk and Tomsk visited the Psychoneurological Boarding School. They were accompanied by Bishop Stephan Liepke, SJ, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Novosibirsk, along with Father Marlito Ocon, SJ (Philippines) and Bishop Luigi Ginami (Bergamo, Italy/AMICI DI SANTINA ZUCCHINELLI ONLUS).

We celebrated Holy Mass; before the celebration, the young people were able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and participate in the “catechesis of friendship.” Mass is always well-attended; during the homily, we discuss and respond to questions raised by the Gospel.

Afterward, we shared the treats offered by the volunteers, talked, and sang. At the end, we said goodbye until our next visit.

After visiting the boarding school, we went to “Casetta”—a group home for social reintegration—where three young people who have moved out of the boarding school are currently living and learning to navigate life in society. At “Casetta,” we shared lunch and told the guests from Italy and the Philippines about the history of our volunteer movement and shared what we do.