Submitted by Courtney Mainwaring on the 2016 winter session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of Philosophy…
If I were to name a theme for the week, it would be “compassionate giving”. On Wednesday night, a man named Paolo gave the group a tour of the Sant’Egidio community soup kitchen. This organization is aimed at assisting the homeless in Rome. They provide meals, classes on Italian language, culture, as well as law and medical services. However, I found the most genuine and astounding part of the organization to be the loving and supportive volunteers. Their mission is centered around relationship building as opposed to just handouts. They believe wholeheartedly in getting to know each visitor by name and maintaining a level of equality between the volunteers and homeless. I was particularly moved when I asked about the finances of the operation. Paolo assured me that he would answer my question later, but first wanted to stress that the object of helping others in the Sant’Egidio community is not to raise money for their activities, but as an individual, or even as a group, to give what you already have to offer. For instance, when beginning the community, the founders just prayed for the homeless every night. They then both prayed and went on nightly trips to speak with the homeless and give them sandwiches (which I later found out were purchased with the group’s own money). Compassion was not only represented in this community, but also in our group. On Thursday, some of us climbed to the top of St. Peter’s. As I am claustrophobic, the tight, windy staircases and narrow hallways were unpleasant. Almost turning around at points in anticipation of a panic attack, my new friends coached me to the top. I was so thankful for their acceptance and genuine concern for my anxiety. Below is a photo of the group from the top and a photo of the group at the prayer service for the Sant’Egidio community.
