By Mor Prakash
Verona, Jan 28, 2020: It is a great blessing to live in Italy, with a religious community.
God has given me, a religious brother, a wonderful opportunity to strengthen my life as a missionary. Being here, I have gained knowledge through direct observation and my participation in various activities.
Italy, a cultural superpower, is considered the birthplace of Western civilization.
Italians have own arts, family values, architecture, music and food.
In the past, Italy was known as the Roman Empire. Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, remains the capital of Italy.
Italy, a major center of the Renaissance, gave Opera to the world.
I am part of an international religious community where I learn how to live in unity with diversity in the name of Christ.
I often recall the words of Pope Francis: “Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit.”
This saying motivates me for life and mission.
Being far from family, friends and country, it is not so easy to stay abroad. But everything is possible in Christ.
When I landed here, everything was new for me — culture, language and people. But Christ was the same.
In the past nine months stay in Italy, I have visited cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice, South and North Italy. Italian’s life and culture delight me. The people are respectful, prayerful and joyful.
The major religion is Catholicism. I see many churches and basilicas around the country. It has many museums. Art is present in churches as well as public buildings.
The saying, “All roads lead to Rome” was true for me more than one sense. During my travailing, I have seen many tourists from around the world.
Today Italy is open to migrants. I have an amazing experience with migrants from Africa, Asia and some parts of Europe. It reminds me of “a Good Samaritan” that everyone is my neighbor, do good for everybody, without any hope of reward in return.
My initial two months were spent in learning Italian. It is a challenge to speak Italian with confidence.
One reason for learning the language is to create understanding as I communicate with others. I share stories with others. I try to speak Italian with my community members and others. Often they correct me and I accept my mistakes and learn from them.
At present, I live in Verona, helping children, youth and the elderly.
This has helped me encounter many positive values. I have learned many good insights from people, how to promote understanding with others. I also learned how to live with people of various cultures, religions and languages. Above all, I have encountered the love of Christ.
Children teach me the language and other skills. Italian youth are advanced in knowledge and other activities.
I also meet people from various churches, religious and Christian organizations.
Italians are religious and helpful to others. They believe in sharing their love, money and other sources. I admire their hospitably and kindness.
Most Italians like to drink coffee espresso. Pasta is to be eaten daily but with different sauces. They have verities of pastas.
During lunch and dinner, Italians always drink good wine.
Like all countries, Italy has its own culture and moral values. When people meet each other, they say “Ciao” (hello) greetings of love with a double kiss—once on each cheek and it is s normal expected behavior.
I try to understand their cultures and appreciate them. I try to see beyond their differences.
In sum, what standout in all this is that the belief that God always guides me.
(Mor Prakash from the western Indian state of Gujarat is a member of the Canossian Sons of Charity congregation).