In the heart of Milan, in the San Siro district to be precise, the encounter between different cultures and faiths is a daily reality. A concrete example of interreligious dialogue was held on Thursday 27 February, when a group of pre -adolescents of the Blessed Oratory Virgin Sorrows of the Milanese district visited the House of Muslim culture in via Padova 144, for a moment of knowledge and prayer shared on the occasion of the beginning of the Ramadan of the 1st March. A gesture full of meaning, strengthened by a common intention: pray for the health of Pope Francis.
The initiative is part of a path of collaboration that for years has seen the Muslim community and the oratory walking together. “We wanted to do something symbolic for this very important time for our kids, who are of Muslim faith for 90%” says Michele Ottonello, educator of the oratory and soul of the project “Village“.” We visited the house of culture to know its history and meaning, but what happened after was not expected: it was the Muslim boys who asked to pray “.
The request, accepted with enthusiasm from theImam Mahmoud Asfa and his wife Shaza Ahamad Aligave birth to a moment of common prayer, dedicated to Pope Francis, a reference figure also for the Muslim world. «We have concluded in a fraternal way, which represents the highest expression of our path together. A path that does not ignore anyone’s identity, on the contrary, enhances them: we want Muslims to grow as good Muslims and Christians as good Christians “, underlines Ottonello. Which also highlights the importance of this path of sharing: “What we do is not something forced or imposed, but comes from a real need for the neighborhood and our boys. San Siro is a neighborhood with many nationalities, an incredible variety of stories and cultures. We cannot ignore this reality, we must welcome it and make it a resource. Our oratory is a place that unites, not that divides».
A unique oratory of its kind
The Oratory Blessed Virgin Addolorata stands out for being the only one in Milan to have organized a visit to a House of Muslim culture. “There are similar school experiences, but in the oratorian panorama we are the first,” explains Ottonello with pride. Another record concerns the presence of Sister Grazia Pizzarello, historical figure of the oratory, who celebrated her 81st birthday in this context. «Sister Grazia has always been a bridge between the two realities, well cared for by all. His presence gave an even deeper meaning to the day ».
«You are a backbone of the village, she never stopped, despite the age. Seeing her smile, sitting next to the Muslim friends who celebrated her, was an incredible emotion. This is the spirit with which we carry on our work, “adds Michele.
The meeting of March 1st will not remain an isolated episode. “During the year we have two moments of sharing: the living nativity scene, made with the Muslim community, and the IFTAR, the fasting of fasting during Ramadan,” says Ottoonello.
The next appointment is set for March 22, when Christian and Muslim families will meet in the Oratory for a Community Ifer. “It will start with prayer, separated by tradition but under the same roof, and fasting will stop according to the Muslim rite, with dates and water, before sharing a banquet with typical dishes of the different nationalities present in the neighborhood”, explains Ottonello. «San Siro counts 88 Nationality surveyed: We will not all have them at the table, but we will approach. IFTAR is always a special moment. It is not just about eating together, but of living a community experience. Everyone brings a typical dish, stories are told, moments of life are shared. This helps the boys to understand the beauty of diversity and create deep ties », underlines Ottonello.
The experience of the San Siro oratory shows that interreligious dialogue is possible, especially among the new generations. “An age like the adolescent one, beyond the creed, has common traits. Creating meeting and exchange spaces is essential for the growth of children and for building a more solid social fabric», Ottonello concludes.
«We have the responsibility of offering boys an alternative to the street. We often wonder how to prevent youth discomfort, and I believe that the answer is here: to create communities. A place where you feel welcomed, respected, where you learn to live together. This is our goal ». The oratory, which has become a real “diocesan observatory for intercultural and interreligious dialogue», It is already receiving requests from other parishes who want to replicate this model. A hope for the future, where faith and community can be union tools rather than division.
