Italy - When good is contagious: the story of Matthew and 60 foreign minors

31 January 2017

(ANS - Catania) - "Unless you become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven" it says in the Gospel of St. Matthew (Mt 18.1 to 5). Today a child who bears the same name as the evangelist is proving this at the Salesian Institute of the Sacred Heart at San Gregorio, near Catania. At only 9 years of age, with a severe disability, Matthew is a real leader and motivator in the Salesian community and especially among the unaccompanied foreign children who are hosted there.

Matthew has a disability that forces him to use a wheelchair. He suffers from a genetic disease that affects especially his movement. The Telethon Foundation is studying it, but for now his illness has no cure. He depends on others for everything.

In Matthew’s heart there is the desire to help others. That is why he always goes to San Gregorio. He serves Mass in the convent of the cloistered nuns. He prays and invites everyone to pray for him, and then he goes to look for his foreign friends - 60 needy children from countries such as Guinea, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, some even from Bangladesh. These are children who have fled from poverty and war. Even after several months they still do not speak much Italian, but with Matthew, who his own language difficulties, there is an immediate understanding through looks, hugs and mutual friendship.

"Matthew is a gift. He brings hope and love to all, to the young people and to us priests," says Fr Cristian Scuderi from the Salesian community.

Accompanied by his mother and supported by many friends and acquaintances who now also attend the community, Matthew always goes to look for the immigrant children. He wants to help them in a spirit of fraternity, and at the same time he receives help and attention. It's amazing how these young people pay attention to him immediately and look after his needs. He cannot stand on his own but they know how to take him out of the wheelchair and support him, as if they had always been doing it.

On both sides, for different reasons, there is suffering, but the suffering becomes a resource, an opportunity for mutual help and love.

RELATED ARTICLE(S)

InfoANS

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.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".