The circle of love

"Freely you have received, freely give" (Mt 10:8). We welcome you asking nothing of you, with the best we have. Hospitality has no price and does not depend on any offering: whoever comes is welcomed for who they are. Everyone contributes as they can: anyone who cannot leave anything is welcomed like everyone else, and takes part by giving a little of their time.

It is right, however, that you should know what we do, and what makes this mission possible. The items below are only a few examples: behind every activity there are many other expenses, much more time and much more work, often unseen.

1. Hospitality

We open our home to those seeking a day of prayer, silence and fellowship, in the spirit of Abraham's hospitality.

Made possible by, among other things: rent, electricity, water, gas, internet, the cleaning and care of the rooms, and everything needed to welcome guests with dignity.

2. The shared table

We prepare the meal together, bless it and eat it at the same table, indoors or outdoors.

Made possible by, among other things: the ingredients, the bread, the oil, the fruit, the tableware, and everything needed in the kitchen.

3. The walks

We walk in the countryside and discover ancient Sicily, its sacred places and its saints.

Made possible by, among other things: fuel and a car always kept roadworthy, with insurance, road tax, inspections, maintenance and repairs.

4. The liturgical service

Every Saturday, every Sunday and on the great feasts we accompany the liturgy with music.

Made possible by, among other things: the time devoted to researching and studying new pieces, rehearsals with the choir before Mass, sheet music, travel.

5. Music

Song and piano accompany prayer, celebrations and the moments we share.

Made possible by, among other things: the piano and its upkeep, the sound system, microphones, cables, sheet music and subscriptions to music software.

6. Sacred icons

We keep alive the art of icons hand-painted according to tradition: images born of prayer, for prayer.

Made possible by, among other things: wooden panels, canvas, gesso, earths and oxides, natural pigments, eggs for the tempera, gold powder and gold leaf, brushes, engraving tools and much more, together with the long hours of work every icon requires.

7. Prayer

We open and close every day together, with psalms, readings, silence and a song.

Made possible by, among other things: books, candles, materials for our moments together.

8. The time of those who welcome

Behind every activity is the life of those who have chosen to devote themselves entirely to this lay mission.

All this, and much more that is not seen, is sustained by the generosity of those who pass through.

"He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:6-7). If your heart wishes, you may leave a gift in the welcome box: anonymously, whenever you like, in the measure you feel is right before God. We give with joy, you give with joy, and the door stays open for those who will come after you.

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