We’re All Brothers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Catholic Leaders Come Together to Celebrate the Integration of Refugees
FLORENCE, IT- Having self-confidence and a sense of belonging are invaluable luxuries rarely afforded to refugees. In July 2017, LDS Charities stepped in to aid CARITAS in their efforts to bring those luxuries to asylum seekers in Florence. Elder Tom and Sister Anita Herway, welfare missionaries directing the work of LDS Charities in Italy, were contacted to help with the project.
CARITAS-Florence cares for around 650 asylum-seeking refugees in centers spread throughout the city. 85% of those refugees are young males 18-30. According to those in charge of the centers integration is difficult and tensions often arise from differences in language, culture and religion. Their only common bond is their love of soccer. “When they play soccer, they’re all brothers,” commented Elder Herway. Noticing this commonality, CARITAS proposed a project to organize two soccer teams in the centers. They hope it will provide opportunities for the young men to work together, mingle with the community and play against local leagues. Additionally, CARITAS believes that the relationships and the skills gained will be instrumental for their integration.
Sister Herway observed how positive the experience was; “seeing two religious groups come together to support these refugees was inspiring. Everyone was on equal ground and we were so grateful to be a part of this.” Speaking of Morelli, she added that “it’s so wonderful to have local members invested. It makes a huge difference to have strong relationships established with the local leaders. We’re very proud of them and glad to rub shoulders with them.”
As Elder and Sister Herway walked inside the chapel they were amazed to see both soccer teams lined up in their uniforms, holding soccer balls, and standing proudly with LDS Charities patches on their arms and CARITAS patches on their chests. “It just hit us,” said Elder Herway, “they were all beaming and so proud. I learned later that they hadn’t won a single game, but they didn’t care. With the new uniforms and equipment, they felt united.”
The Archbishop, the director of CARITAS and the second counselor in the stake presidency all spoke at the ceremony. “This is a momentous occasion,” said Elder Herway of the event, “This is the first time that the Catholic church and the Mormon church have collaborated on a project like this in Florence. It’s also the first time that we have personally collaborated with CARITAS at the top level. We have developed strong relationships with all of them in giving these young refugees the resources they need to settle their differences, build self-confidence and integrate into society.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Catholic Leaders Come Together to Celebrate the Integration of Refugees
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| Team proudly displaying their LDS Charities and CARITAS patches on their new uniforms |
FLORENCE, IT- Having self-confidence and a sense of belonging are invaluable luxuries rarely afforded to refugees. In July 2017, LDS Charities stepped in to aid CARITAS in their efforts to bring those luxuries to asylum seekers in Florence. Elder Tom and Sister Anita Herway, welfare missionaries directing the work of LDS Charities in Italy, were contacted to help with the project.
CARITAS-Florence cares for around 650 asylum-seeking refugees in centers spread throughout the city. 85% of those refugees are young males 18-30. According to those in charge of the centers integration is difficult and tensions often arise from differences in language, culture and religion. Their only common bond is their love of soccer. “When they play soccer, they’re all brothers,” commented Elder Herway. Noticing this commonality, CARITAS proposed a project to organize two soccer teams in the centers. They hope it will provide opportunities for the young men to work together, mingle with the community and play against local leagues. Additionally, CARITAS believes that the relationships and the skills gained will be instrumental for their integration.
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| Enrico Morelli shaking hands with members of CARITASIn October 2017, Elder and Sister Herway attended a ceremony at the San Lorenzo chapel in Florence to celebrate the teams’ integration. |
Sister Herway observed how positive the experience was; “seeing two religious groups come together to support these refugees was inspiring. Everyone was on equal ground and we were so grateful to be a part of this.” Speaking of Morelli, she added that “it’s so wonderful to have local members invested. It makes a huge difference to have strong relationships established with the local leaders. We’re very proud of them and glad to rub shoulders with them.”
As Elder and Sister Herway walked inside the chapel they were amazed to see both soccer teams lined up in their uniforms, holding soccer balls, and standing proudly with LDS Charities patches on their arms and CARITAS patches on their chests. “It just hit us,” said Elder Herway, “they were all beaming and so proud. I learned later that they hadn’t won a single game, but they didn’t care. With the new uniforms and equipment, they felt united.”
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| LDS Bishop speaking with the Archbishop of Florence |
The Archbishop, the director of CARITAS and the second counselor in the stake presidency all spoke at the ceremony. “This is a momentous occasion,” said Elder Herway of the event, “This is the first time that the Catholic church and the Mormon church have collaborated on a project like this in Florence. It’s also the first time that we have personally collaborated with CARITAS at the top level. We have developed strong relationships with all of them in giving these young refugees the resources they need to settle their differences, build self-confidence and integrate into society.”
LDS Counselor in the Stake Presidency talking with the teams at San Lorenzo Chapel
I can relate to how they felt about not winning any games. I don't think the BAS girls basketball team won many games, but we sure had a fun time together!
ReplyDeleteI love this. Being on a sports team really does have a unifying effect.
ReplyDelete