Associazione Shalom Joins Catholic Fraternity of Alliance Worldwide
“From Torre Apponale to the dome of Saint Peter.” This phrase could summarize the journey and growth of the «Associazione Shalom-Solidarietà internazionale», which was founded in 1979 by Paolo and Eliana Maino and Don Domenico Pincelli. The association is committed to raising awareness about solidarity and engaging in numerous significant projects around the world.
Following diocesan approval in 1997 by Giovanni Maria Sartori, the Archbishop, the association, chaired by Paolo Maino, has recently seen its efforts in human and spiritual formation officially recognized by another highly important organization.
Acceptance into the Catholic Fraternity of the Communities of Alliance
About a month ago, during the IX international conference held in Bari, the news arrived that Shalom had been accepted into the «Catholic Fraternity of the Communities of Alliance». This is a matter of considerable importance, as the «Fraternity» is a private association of committed Christian faithful of pontifical right, meaning it has been approved and is particularly encouraged by the Holy Father.
The Fraternity is composed of around forty communities from all over the world (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, France, Rwanda…) united by the personal and voluntary pact shared by each member, who adopts its lifestyle and actively participates in its specific mission. The organization finds in the «Pontifical Council for the Laity» the means to express its relationship with the Holy See.
Commitment and Testimony of the Community
«All of this —» commented Professor Tiziano Civettini, deacon and vice president of the «Community of Shalom» — «filled us with joy and confirmed our calling to live within the Church and for the Church, embodying the charism of our small community: Peace.
This involves striving to live as men and women of peace in the workplace, in family, in the community, and in every environment we encounter. It also means dedicating at least a tenth of one’s financial income to transform it into small but impactful drops of peace — in places where people suffer hunger and war. Furthermore, it involves proposing and implementing evangelization pathways capable of opposing current neo-paganism, focusing on a Christocentric formation rooted in our baptismal dignity.