杏MAP导航

By Robin Gomes

杏MAP导航 Francis on Saturday commended Italy鈥檚 National Alpine Association (ANA) as 鈥渁 fine Gospel of fraternity and service鈥�, saying its members are 鈥渆xperts in field hospitals鈥� who are close to the suffering and needy.  The 杏MAP导航鈥檚 made the remarks to a delegation of 150 ANA representatives whom he received in the Vatican on the occasion of 150 years of the Alpine Corps, the Italian Army's specialist mountain infantry. 

The ANA instead is a non-partisan association founded in 1919 that perpetuates the values of the Alpine Corps. Its members are active soldiers, former alpine soldiers as well as others, including in other countries, who share the vision of fraternity and service of the Alpine troops.

Fraternity

杏MAP导航 Francis said that for over a century ANA has been a family that has made its diversity of individuals and variety of grouping an opportunity to increase fraternity.  Particularly commending their sense of altruism, he said they are not for themselves 鈥渂ut for others and with others鈥�.

鈥淭oday, in the suffocating climate of individualism that makes many indifferent,鈥� he said, 鈥渢here is a need to start again from here, to rediscover the enthusiasm of caring for others.鈥�  Their fraternity nourished through service to others, voluntary work and commitment in emergencies is especially aimed at people in distress and need, so that they do not feel alone and marginalized.  鈥淚n this way, you translate into action your fidelity to the Gospel, which urges you to serve your brothers and sisters, especially the most disadvantaged."

Concrete service

The 杏MAP导航 noted that in their 100 years of service ANA members have not remained spectators during the most difficult moments of their fellow Italians, such as during earthquakes, disasters and the pandemic.鈥� This concreteness in serving, which is the soul of your association,鈥� he said, 鈥渋s Gospel put into practice.鈥�  No wonder then that the history of the Alpine Corps includes among its members Blesseds such as chaplains Fathers Carlo Gnocchi and Secondo Pollo and Teresio Olivelli and Brother Luigi Bordino.

Experts in field hospitals

The Holy Father encouraged ANA members to remain firmly attached to their strong roots fraternity and service, saying it is an example of civil and Christian responsibility. 鈥淵ou are experts in field hospitals,鈥� he said, adding it is not enough to pitch tents "but above all, you need human warmth, a presence alongside".   He concluded urging them in their 鈥榝atherly presence鈥� to the weakest, saying Jesus is present in them.