MILAN — Days ahead of the Winter Paralympics, when disabled athletes will take center stage at the Milan Cortina Games, a choir from northern Italy performed a pop music concert inside Milan's Sant'Antonio church, calling for harmony and inclusion — particularly of those with disabilities.
Around 70 teenagers and adults in the Terzo Tempo choir traveled from the neighboring city Abbiategrasso for their Feb. 18 performance, titled ''Like Yeast in the Dough.'' It drew on a Gospel image that reflects the project's spirit: a discreet presence that helps anyone rise from within.
The choir's concert in Milan formed part of the archdiocese's strategy to seize the Olympic and Paralympic moment to impart Christian values.
''The Olympics and the Paralympics are not something that simply passes over our heads, but something that also touches our lives,'' said the Rev. Stefano Guidi, who heads the Archdiocese of Milan's Service for Oratories and Sport.
Milan's Catholic Church created in 2021 a special branch that focuses on raising awareness of inclusion. Its work stretches through local parishes and communities, encouraging welcoming environments for everyone, disabled and non-disabled alike.
''If we focus on organizing things only for people with disabilities, we risk segregation,'' said the Rev. Mauro Santoro, who leads the office alongside 13 volunteers. ''Instead, we try to bring everyone together — children's catechism, sports, the simplest activities — because this is true inclusion.''
Inclusion rooted in parish life
The Catholic Church's work with young people in Italy largely relies on oratories, parish spaces where children and teenagers gather after school for sports and recreational activities. In these spaces, Santoro said, training to involve people with disabilities and discussions regarding values connected to the Paralympics take place, as well.
