A torchlight march organized as part of the Christmas novena, in the presence of the three bishops of Ventimiglia, Nice, and Monaco, from the San Antonio church in Ventimiglia (a welcome camp for exiled families and children) to the cathedral took place last night in Ventimiglia with the participation of Mons. Antonio Suetta, bishop of Ventimiglia-Sanremo, Mons. Barsi, bishop of Monaco, and Mons. Marceau, bishop of Nice.
The novena was led by the diocesan choir.
The Catholic Relief Services of the Alpes-Maritimes accompanied Bishop Marceau.
Many people participated in this interfaith prayer for peace and the victims of emigration.
Mons. Antonio Suetta explained to those present the reason for this gesture: “This initiative is the starting point of the Christmas novena. There is a point of contact between us Christians and Muslims: they do not believe that Jesus is the son of God, but they recognize him as a prophet. In its first year, this initiative aimed to remember those who died in the Mediterranean Sea, victims of immigration. Now we have a new problem: the reception of migrants here in Ventimiglia, which causes discomfort for the city’s residents. But without wanting to minimize it, how can it be measured against the tragedy experienced by each of these unfortunate migrants, far from home and without a clear future? I hope that the authorities will find a solution.”
His final words are worthy of a shepherd of souls: “I thank you for your patience and bless you for your solidarity.”
