New assignments for the MASCI
The MASCI National Assembly, meeting in Sacrofano (near Rome) from 18 to 20 October 2019, has defined the national service positions for the next three years of our Movement. More than 600 scout adults participated from all over Italy. We reflected all together about some social and spiritual themes and launched proposals for the future of the Movement. Massimiliano COSTA (Liguria) was elected National President, Mimmo COTRONEO (Calabria) National Secretary.
Also for the MASCI of our region, Lazio, there was a reason for pride and happiness, as the two candidates we presented were elected: Matteo CAPORALE was reconfirmed national councilor for the second term and Alberto CUCCURU was elected in the list of auditors.
Our best wishes for good work to all!
We also want to warmly thank those who gave their support in the previous mandate, succeeding in delivering a very active Movement to their successors, capable of taking concrete actions for the common good.
The ways of Transhumance in Amatrice
On 21 and 22 September, an event dedicated to the candidacy of Transumanza as heritage of UNESCO was held in Amatrice. Transhumance (the seasonal movement of livestock between summer and winter pastures) is an important moment in the economy and culture of these places so hard hit by the 2016 earthquake.
MASCI to the European Parliament
Next October 8 a delegation of MASCI will go to Brussels, to the European Parliament, to present the appeal launched by our Movement "for a planned reception and for the service of the people". Masci and Focsiv are side by side in the awareness that it is necessary to face the epochal question of migrations in the Mediterranean and to promote a culture of acceptance and support for the brothers and the sisters who along the escape from wars in their respective Countries reach our continent in desperate conditions. The Secretary of the Masci of Lazio, Carlo Bertucci, will head the delegation of adult scouts who will meet, starting at 3 pm, Patrizia Toia, member of the European Parliament, and David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament.
TWO VERY WELCOMING TABLES
On 15 June, the national event "Tavolata italiana senza Muri", a italian tableful without walls, a sharing lunch without divisions, was held simultaneously in many Italian cities. In Lazio this special event was held in Rome and in Latina, and the “MASCI Lazio“ gave its significant contribution. Two moments to demonstrate commitment to dialogue and solidarity with those who have less and those who seek a better life possibility away from their homeland. An opportunity to show that there is another Italy, welcoming and capable of inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
For the Tableful in Rome, the principal of Italy, two long rows of colored tables were set up on Via della Conciliazione opposite the Basilica of San Pietro in the Vatican, on which more than a thousand guests and volunteers sat. All together to share a frugal meal, so that through sharing and acceptance, we arrive at a fraternal and peaceful coexistence among peoples.
April 23, St. George's Day
April 23 is the day of Saint George, Patron Saint of Explorers from around the world and in general of every Scout fellow.
The knight George is the symbol of courage and adventure that should characterize all of us who try to do our best in every situation. Robert Baden-Powell was also inspired by St. George and compares the explorers to the old medieval knights: for this reason before a scout promise he or she usually lives a vigil of arms just like the knights.
Every year on St. George's Day scouts of all ages meet in the church of San Giorgio in Velabro in Rome, for the renewal of the Promise scout.
PEACE ON ALL LANDS
On the first day of each year the MASCI participates in the March for Peace organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome. Also last Tuesday, January 1st, therefore, under the sun of a cold Roman day, some of us met as usual at the start of Via della Conciliazione, with many young and old people from all over the world to give a testimony of Peace. Our group moved behind our blue banner with the white and red lily of our movement. Around us multicolored flags of Peace, posters with messages against all wars, signs of every kind of country.BE A MESSENGER OF PEACE IN EVERY WAY
On December 16th the Light of Peace from Bethlehem arrived in Rome waiting for about 800 people, scouts of the MASCI of the AGESCI and the FSE, gathered to bring the flame to the Papal Basilica of St. Peter's in the Vatican, giving it as it has been for many years to the Holy Father Francis. All together in the parade they walked Viale della Conciliazione to get to the feet of the sand nativity scene, the Sand Nativity, created by the artists of the venetian city of Jesolo. It was Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of the papal Basilica, who received the precious gift from the hands of two Roman cubs representing all the Italian Catholic scout movement. A holy Mass then saw the whole delegation gathered in prayer, thus sealing the event with the community prayer.
