SW News: As many as 300 homeless, poor and elderly folks, including Ukrainian refugees, took part in the Christmas Luncheon hosted by the Community of Sant’Egidio on December 25. The lunch was given at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. There were red tablecloths and Christmas stars at the venue.

They were given lentils, meatloaves, lasagne and dessert for lunch. After the luncheon, each guest was given a personalized gift. This year’s lunch marks the 40th anniversary of the initiative of the community. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin was present during the luncheon.

The cardinal brought with him “the greetings and good wishes of the Holy Father” During the event, he recalled how he took part in the community lunch way back in 2015. He said, "But it is always a very beautiful and moving experience to see all these people together celebrating Christmas, something that touches the heart."

Cardinal Parolin disclosed his wish that “these experiences can be repeated and multiplied as we are so in need of solidarity and love in our world". He added that Christmas reminds everyone that the only solution to our problems is to be attentive and close to others, especially those who suffer and are in difficulties.

"The Pope gives us this example every day, we try to follow him in many ways, but we try to make this world of ours a little bit better."

It was in 1982 that the community first organized this lunch for 47 people at that time. Food was served on tables arranged between the ancient walls of the basilica. So far, as many as 80,000 have been served food in Italy so far and 250,000 in other parts of the world. Sant’Egidio Community also organized similar events for inmates and Christmas luncheons were hosted in 100 cities in Italy and other countries.