THERE IS MORE JOY IN GIVING THAN IN RECEIVING (Acts 20:35)

At the end of February, the war in Ukraine began and soon we felt the need to do something: we could not watch with indifference certain scenes, listen to horrible stories and tales. The prayer then became unanimous and insistent, to implore God for the gift of peace, so that similar atrocities may end. But beyond prayer, we also wanted to give a small sign, a simple gesture that is a drop in the ocean but that certainly may have contributed to the great machine of solidarity that has been activated in this period.

Involving the school and the whole educational community, with pupils, parents and teachers, we sisters of the community "Mary Immaculate" with the beginning of Lent, we organized in the premises of our school a collection of aid and basic necessities for Ukrainian refugees, in particular by favouring the little ones. A nice group of parents immediately made themselves available for the service of receiving and arranging the goods received that arrived and with great seriousness and emotional involvement have completed their commitment.

Moreover the religious community has made the choice of essentiality in food to help the Friars Minor of the Ukrainian Mission who are engaged in welcoming refugees.

At the end of Lent, we joined another initiative by participating in the sale of Easter eggs organized by the association "Amici di San Benedetto" of the peer school close to us of the Benedictine Sisters. The proceeds of the sale would be donated to their mission in Romania where the religious are welcoming Ukrainian refugees in need of everything. Also for this occasion it was precious the help of some parents and especially of the students of our Lyceum who with great enthusiasm have committed themselves to approach and sensitize many people to present the project "Give an Easter egg".

We know that what has been done is a very humble gesture, but it has deeply moved us to see the generosity and sensitivity of the people. We are certain that these simple initiatives have given much more to us and to our educational mission than the help given to the needy, because it is true: there is more joy in giving than in receiving!