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.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/2578-italy-when-good-is-contagious-the-story-of-matthew-and-60-foreign-minors#sigProIdbf68f0578d
