Italy – "Put more heart in those hands": Salesian community of Andria in favor of most needy

14 April 2023
Photo ©: Andria Live

(ANS - Andria) - "Put more heart in those hands" is a famous saying of St. Camillus De Lellis, founder of the Ministers of the Infirm and Patron of the sick, nurses, and hospitals; it was the incitement with which he urged his brethren and co-workers to put their hearts into the service of their neighbor. But the incitement "Put more heart into those hands" was also the motto with which the Salesian Educational-Pastoral Community (CEP) of Andria, composed of Salesians and lay people, worked during Lent on a campaign of solidarity toward the neediest minors. A campaign that is now seeing its fruits.

The initiative kicked off on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12, when the CEP of the Salesians of Andria promoted the "Solidarity Weekend," to raise awareness of gift-giving among children, youth, young people, and families to develop an altruistic dimension made up of care and humanity.

The activity included collections of various kinds to be given to associations, organizations, and communities, local and otherwise, that take care of those - children, youth, and adults - who are in need for whatever reason. Not only the community itself but also the citizenry responded with much warmth and generosity.

Now, immediately after Easter, it was time for the distribution phase of the harvest: on the morning of Tuesday, April 11, a group of fourth-grade children from the Salesian Oratory went to the pediatrics ward of the "Lorenzo Bonomo" hospital in Andria to donate toys collected as part of the initiative to the children in the hospital ward, along with a written note or letter emphasizing that with every gift received, one must make oneself a gift for another.

"We don't hide our excitement at seeing the smiles printed on the faces of the little boys and girls who appreciated this great little altruistic gesture," commented volunteers from the Salesian community.

Who then added, "It was our way of living Easter with Christ because He lives and still today passes, transforms, liberates."

In addition to also thanking the hospital managers for their availability, CEP members report that the activities are not yet over: "The next step will be the distribution of food at the Santa Maria Goretti Reception House in the coming days in which, again, children and young people will be the protagonists of a moment of solidarity and sharing."

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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