Joy, Sharing, and Peace: An Experience at SERMIG (Italy)

15 hours ago
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Joy, sharing, and peace are only possible if we walk together. It is with this certainty that we lived, on Saturday, February 14th, a significant and profound life experience in Turin. We were joined by the youth of the Locate parish (Bergamo) at the Arsenal of Peace, known as SERMIG (Missionary Service of Youth).

From Weapons to Peace

Founded in 1580 as a gunpowder factory, this site became the "Turin Artillery Construction Arsenal" in 1852—the first weapon factory in Italian history. Up to 5,000 workers once labored across its 45,000 m². Decommissioned after World War II, its ruins were entrusted to the youth of Sermig in 1983. This movement, created in 1964 by Ernesto Olivero, his wife Maria, and a group of young people determined to overcome hunger through works of justice, decided to turn it into a House of Peace.

Today, thanks to unpaid work and volunteering, this reality of solidarity has spread across the globe, with Arsenals now also located in Brazil and Jordan.

Why this visit with our youth?

"Throughout the year," explains Sister Tiziana, "the young people of our Locate parish participate in charitable activities (food drives, raising awareness about local poverty). This year, the theme of 'joy' is at the heart of our catechesis, explored through key words: welcome, sharing, and service."

After meeting young missionaries returning from Bolivia and others living the Sermig experience, the desire to discover this reality for themselves was born quite naturally.

The youth and our sisters were welcomed by Arianna, who has lived for five years in one of the Arsenal's fraternities. This community—composed of consecrated members, priests, married couples, and laypeople—is united by a common mission: hospitality toward the poor and the young.

Sister Tiziana continues: "Touched by her authentic and joyful communication, our youth immediately got involved in every proposal." They were kept very busy: loading and unloading boxes of food, hygiene products, and household items (supplies brought from Bergamo after the Christmas collection), sorting used clothing (of which the Arsenal receives over 400 kg every day), and discovering the clinics run by 70 volunteer doctors, as well as the shelters for mothers and men in difficulty.

They returned home with one conviction: it is possible for everyone to experience the power of service. They are already planning to organize a "Dinner for People" to open hearts and minds to these realities which, all over the world, need support to create a world of true peace.