Before departure… We have to confess that it still feels rather strange to say it: yes, we will soon be leaving – Daphnée, Filippo, Margot and Martina – for the island of Borneo, for a mission lasting several weeks, with the Jerora-Sintang community. Sister Pascale will be accompanying us in the various educational services on site, from nursery school to accommodation for university students. Although the plane has not yet taken off, the journey began for us several months ago. The departure was preceded by a series of meetings – in person and online – between France and Italy, which allowed us to get to know each other and share our fears and desires.

The contribution of missionaries was fundamental. With their testimony and experience, they supported and guided us, never hiding the possible difficulties, but always trying to find plausible solutions to the problems that have arisen and will arise, from socio-cultural differences to more practical – and only apparently trivial – issues such as vaccinations and residence permits. The final stage before departure was the meeting in Rome at the beginning of June, which left us with the clear feeling of being part of a group that was immensely larger than the sum of its individual parts, with whom it was immediately possible – and enjoyable – to walk towards the same goal. It doesn’t mean that as departure approaches, all the natural fears associated with the occasion have been dispelled. At the same time, however, the closer the check-in time gets, the more our desire to set off on this new stage of a journey – both human and spiritual – that is now well underway grows. We are sustained by the hope of being able to give back at least a small fraction of what we have received so far and what we will still receive.Filippo Pelacci e Martina Zucchetti

In Chiavari, a march in support of the Ngaoundal Hospital. Thanks to our friends Dr. Francesca Pezzolo and her husband Mauro Moretti, the march will take place…. Have a good walk!!! Good luck to those who will participate on 24 August, the feast day of St. Jeanne Antide’s birth in heaven… a coincidence?