POPE FRANCIS
“Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to share the journey! Do not be afraid! Let us not be afraid to share hope!'
During a General Audience in September 2017, Pope Francis made one of his frequent calls for a culture of encounter, this time announcing the Share the Journey initiative in collaboration with Caritas.
The two-year campaign is still going strong nearly a year later, as demonstrated by this event at a soup kitchen in Rome, which joined refugees and public and Church figures at the same table.
OLIVIERO FORTI
Head, Caritas Italy Migration Department
“The idea is to build bridges between our country and the country of origin of these people. Often, we talk about refugees and migration without having an experience with them. Today, you can have an experience with them, you can join in a meal with them, you can hear their stories.”
MICHEL ROY
Secretary General, Caritas Internationalis
“If you meet a migrant, something will happen, both in the migrant and in you. You will change your eyes, your way of looking at that person. You will ask yourself why he or she has been moving, why he or she is here. You will change your heart. There's a real transformation.”
Volunteers, families and clergy shared both warm food and conversations with migrants who have been assisted by Caritas centers in the Eternal City, including Nourhouda, an Algerian mother who was overcome with joy and gratitude.
NOURHOUDA TOUTENANE
Refugee
“I want to say thank you to everyone for helping, for protecting my two children, and we hope things will continue to go well. I think it's great, because I like to meet new people and talk and eat with them.”
The meal is part of the initiative's “Global Week of Action” from June 17-24, during which the 165 worldwide members of the Catholic confederation will promote activities with migrants and refugees. It's another testament to the spread of the Holy Father's culture of encounter.
