"Blessed is the hand that gives" says Saint'Egidio Founder to Members From Lesotho And South Africa

The Community of Saint'Egidio is a non-profit organisation formed in Rome by Andrea Riccadi and friends in 1968. It is a Christian Community of volunteers who serve those of less fortune through service to the homeless (soup kitchens and distribution of clothes) and school of peace for children in over 70 countries all over the world.

On the 18th of February, Andrea had his first visit to Southern Africa where he met with community representatives from Lesotho (Maseru and Mohale's Hoek) and Pretoria, South Africa. In this meeting, Andrea expressed his gratitude to the members for their dedication and love for the community. He was very pleased to meet the people who dedicate their time to change the lives of the homeless and help grow the community.

It is a tradition of the community to host Christmas Lunch for the homeless and the poor every year in every country where the community exists. Andrea was also overjoyed to hear that the tradition is also being maintained in Lesotho and South Africa and encouraged the members to keep up the good work. He reminded the members of the importance of making time for the homeless and sharing a warm Christmas meal with them. It is the mission of the community to share love with everyone regardless of their background ( whether we have a home or not, we all deserve to be loved).

The members of the community also prepare and share lunch with the homeless every Saturday while sharing a few laughs like any other family. They also help create a warm learning environment for the children of school of peace helping them with their academics struggles, sharing a snack with them and playing fun and educational games with them.

"...Where we have discovered the homeless as our brothers..."