Pray with Italy, June 14, 2026
Lectionary Selection: Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)
Prayers for Italy
This well-known passage speaks of key themes: the people of the world as sheep without a shepherd; the “Great Commission” by which the disciples are sent out to spread the Good News and do God’s work; the enormity of the task to be undertaken by a tiny body of people. These themes are as pertinent today as they were then.
In times of turmoil, we pray that, as God’s people, we may give as freely as we have received in supporting those who feel lost and helpless. We give thanks for the energy, skill, and commitment that individuals and organizations can bring to bear in supporting the marginalized, and we pray that each of us might hear and respond to the call to do our part.
We ask that Italy’s leaders and policy-makers have the courage to distinguish themselves in their approach to refugees. May they continue to facilitate safe pathways for those who need them; may they not hesitate to discharge the long-held commitment to those forced to use irregular routes.
We pray that the winds whispering hostility across Europe to those who seek shelter from harm would be stilled and that, each day, ordinary folk would consider what it is to walk in the shoes of a person forced to flee.
Amen
Mission Moment from Italy
Mediterranean Hope (MH) has for some time participated in the Italian “civil service” scheme for young adults. Volunteers gain valuable experience over their year with MH, whilst MH benefits from their skills and energy. Current volunteers are working with the team supporting refugees arriving through MH’s humanitarian corridors program. Many come with conflicting emotions about what lies ahead. Creating opportunities for newcomers to learn from those who have settled is therefore vital. Our volunteers recently attended one such meeting: “a safe space for dialogue where the past could meet the present and become a resource for the future.”
Stories were shared of initial difficulties, fears, and uncertainties; first discoveries; the importance of education, training, and learning Italian. The conversation also revealed successes achieved, confidence reconstructed, and the value of support, listening, and personal commitment. Words such as ‘hope,’ ‘path,’ ‘awareness,’ ‘interculturalism,’ ‘willpower,’ and ‘role model’ repeatedly came up – and found their way onto a large poster entitled ‘Seeds of Experience’ recording phrases, thoughts, and drawings, such as a sprout symbolizing growth and renewal. Said the volunteers, “Seeing former beneficiaries symbolically return to their past and realize how valuable their journey is to others was deeply moving. Likewise, seeing those who have just arrived listening with curiosity and engagement made us realize the power of interaction and of concrete examples from those who ‘made it,’ Moments like this are fundamental: they remind us that change is possible, step by step, and that every experience, however difficult, can become seeds of hope for others.”
Written by Fiona Kendall, European & Legal Affairs Advisor, FCEI-Mediterranean Hope
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