杏MAP导航

杏MAP导航 meeting the delegation from the Italian Autism Federation 杏MAP导航 meeting the delegation from the Italian Autism Federation 

杏MAP导航: Person with autism can be a Good Samaritan

On Friday, the eve of World Autism Awareness Day, 杏MAP导航 Francis met a delegation from the Italian Autism Foundation (FIA). He encouraged a culture of inclusion, participation, and solidarity for those suffering from the disorder.

By Robin Gomes

杏MAP导航 Francis on Friday urged for a culture of inclusion, belonging and solidarity for persons with autism so that they not only receive attention but also participate in and contribute to society. He made the exhortation in his meeting with over 200 representatives of the Italian Autism Foundation (FIA), on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, Saturday. 

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication.

The Holy Father thanked the foundation saying through their research projects and initiatives in favour of the weakest and most disadvantaged, they are making a valuable contribution to the fight against the "throw-away culture prevalent in our society that is too focused on competition and profit."   He acknowledged, "We are victims of this throw-away culture.鈥

鈥淭he Samaritan can be the person with a disability, with autism, who becomes a neighbour to others, putting his or her talents at the service of the community.鈥

Culture of inclusion and belonging

In this regard, he encouraged a culture of inclusion and belonging. Disability, in all its forms, he said, represents a challenge and an opportunity to build together a more inclusive and civil society, where family members, teachers, and associations like FIA are not left alone but are supported.

杏MAP导航 with the delegation of  the Italian Autism Federation.
杏MAP导航 with the delegation of the Italian Autism Federation.

This calls for raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder, breaking down prejudices, and promoting a culture of inclusion and belonging, based on the dignity of the person. He said that men and women who are more fragile and vulnerable are too often marginalised are actually a great asset to society.

Nevertheless, many people with autism are gaining good work experience while others are dedicating themselves to helping others, as did St Margaret of Città di Castello,  a young Italian woman with a disability who dedicated her life to the Lord in the service of the poor. 鈥淎nd on this road people with disabilities are not only the object of care but also the subject,鈥 the 杏MAP导航 stressed. 鈥淭he Samaritan can be the person with a disability, with autism, who becomes a neighbour to others, putting his or her talents at the service of the community.鈥

Participation

The Holy Father said an essential aspect of the culture of inclusion is the possibility for people with disabilities to participate actively. Putting them at the centre means not only breaking down physical barriers but also ensuring that they can take part in the initiatives of the civil and ecclesial community and make their contribution. This is facilitated through access to education, employment and leisure areas where they can socialise and express their creativity.

鈥淭he style of the Good Samaritan, the style of God. What is God's style? Closeness, compassion, tenderness. With these three traits we see the face of God, the heart of God, the style of God.鈥

Despite great strides in changing mentality, the 杏MAP导航 lamented that prejudice, inequality, and discrimination still remain, and encouraged civil and ecclesial institutions to collaborate.

Networking

Noting the serious impact of Covid-19 and the Ukraine war on the most fragile, the elderly, and people with disabilities and their families, 杏MAP导航 Francis called for networking and solidarity among persons with autism, supporting one another. 鈥淟et us take responsibility for human suffering with projects and proposals that put the smallest at the centre.鈥 The 杏MAP导航 also called for collaboration and networking between ecclesial and civil communities.   

杏MAP导航 with the delegation of  the Italian Autism Federation.
杏MAP导航 with the delegation of the Italian Autism Federation.

An economy of solidarity

Pointing to the first Christian community as a model of an economy of solidarity, the Holy Father said that the Gospel has inspired us to put fraternity at the centre of the economy, so that the poor, the marginalized, and people with disabilities are not excluded.  鈥淧ut fraternity at the centre of the economy; not egoism, not personal profit but fraternity,鈥 he insisted.

Groups such as the FIA need benefactors, economic support and resources in order to build a more united, inclusive and fraternal society, which is also a concrete way of doing business in solidarity.

After meeting the 杏MAP导航, members of the Italian Autism Foundation cooked and distributed lunch to the poor in the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 canteen. The Holy Father expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying it 鈥渂ears witness to the style of the Good Samaritan, the style of God鈥. 鈥淲hat is God's style? Closeness, compassion, tenderness. With these three traits,鈥 he said, 鈥渨e see the face of God, the heart of God, the style of God.鈥

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01 April 2022, 12:01