Thanks to President Antonietta Scopelliti and a few friends, I had the opportunity to get to know this organization better, to gradually immerse myself in it through meetings, discussions, and moments of sharing. Antonietta, with her profound charisma and dedication, has guided me over time, imparting something that cannot be explained right away: it is a feeling, a calling to do good without reservation, to serve others with an open heart. It was thanks to her that I began to understand that there is something unique about this association, something that goes beyond simple volunteer work. This association is driven by a strong determination: that of leaving no one behind, of never making anyone feel different or excluded.
And living this out in a city like Palma di Montechiaro, which welcomes so many migrants every day who arrive with hope and fear, was for me a strong and clear call. I felt called by the spirit of the Cabrinian mission, that same force that moved Saint Francesca to dedicate her life to the least, the excluded, and the most vulnerable.
The formation I received from Sister Assunta and Sister Maria Regina Canale, which took place in Marina di Alma during the youth camp, was another pivotal moment for me. Thanks to them, I was able to delve into the heart of the Cabrinian mission, learning not only about the life of Saint Frances Cabrini, but also about her vision of faith and charity, which continues to this day, embodied in every action and every initiative of the association. Over the years, among the experiences I’ve had with the association, there was the after-school program for Romanian and Palmi children, an activity that also involved meetings and work with Romanian and African families. In these moments, I was able to see how essential it is to offer closeness, encouragement, and support to those who, unfortunately, are far from their loved ones and their homeland. Listening, sharing moments of serenity, and building relationships of trust with the African children at the Oasi Madre Cabrini center and with their families has been and remains an essential aspect of our mission, because it is not just about providing material aid, but about making these people feel that they are not alone, that there is someone who supports them and accompanies them on their journey of integration and new life. Also important has been our participation in visits to the elderly in nursing homes, which the entire association organizes every Christmas and Easter to bring a greeting, a smile, and a moment of comfort to those who often experience loneliness.
These moments of sharing remind us of the importance of presence, care, and affection, values that are at the core of our mission. Every year I took part in the summer camps, moments of growth and sharing, and every July 15th in the release of the doves, a very important moment for the whole association, a symbol of peace and hope for all of us.
Over the years I have taken part in many events and initiatives that have marked my journey: from International Mother Language Day, which made us reflect on the value of our roots and diverse cultures; to the International Day Against Racism, a moment of commitment and awareness against every form of discrimination; up to World Migrant Day, an occasion to celebrate hospitality and to remind ourselves how important it is to extend a hand to those who are far from their homeland.
Among the most beautiful moments of my experience were Among the most beautiful moments of my experience were the trips: the first to Rome with the association for World Youth Day, an unforgettable experience that strengthened in me the sense of belonging and the living faith in our mission;
then in 2016 to Codogno, in the heart of the Cabrinian mission, where walking through the places where Mother Cabrini lived gave concreteness to everything we had learned; and finally, in 2022, New York and Chicago, two symbolic cities of the mission in the United States, where in Chicago we visited the tomb of Mother Cabrini, a moment of profound emotion and inspiration.
I would like to extend a special thanks to Sister Assunta, who, despite the physical distance, is always present in the heart of this family. Her wisdom, her calmness, and the depth of her words reach us like a warm and reassuring embrace, giving us strength and hope even in the most difficult moments. Her spiritual guidance and affectionate closeness are a shining beacon that illuminates our path and reminds us every day of the true meaning of the Cabrinian mission. Sister Assunta is for us an inexhaustible source of inspiration, patience, and love, and for this we are infinitely grateful to her.
I want to conclude with a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Antonietta Scopelliti, our president, who with her charisma, passion, and dedication has transmitted to me not only profound values, but also a constant drive to give the best of myself. Thanks to her I learned what it truly means to place oneself at the service of others with a generous heart, and even today she continues to inspire me with strength and motivation. A special thank you goes to every member of the association, because each one, with their own contribution and presence, makes all this possible. We are a family, made up of people who believe in a common dream: to bring hope, welcome, and concrete love to those in need. Heartfelt thanks to everyone, for every gesture, every word, every moment shared along this beautiful journey together.
Salvatore Arcadipane
SICILY
Palma di Montechiaro
COMMENTS