Today, like the healed leper in the Gospel, I return to say thank you. My time at Chiesa del Carmine is ending.
The Scalabrinian Missionaries have walked with people on the move since 1887. Now, I move on too. After 12 years of working with young people in Italy and Europe, including Bassano del Grappa and Milan, my next stop is London.
Before leaving, I want to thank you for this shared journey.
Chiesa del Carmine offered a truly international and welcoming space. I saw a welcoming community of faith building, creating real bonds, and learning to live together. We cared for our planet and each other. With ASCS, we brought hope to people on the move and empowered young people to become changemakers.
I’m deeply grateful for the love and kindness here. This community is vibrant and growing.
Thank you.
Special thanks to René, my brother, friend, and mountaineering partner, for our shared life, values, and the positive impact we have on each other. I look forward to a future with more high mountains to climb and a global shift away from plastic, meat, and private cars. In this future, cycling, public transport, and ethical consumption that respects both workers and the planet will be the norm. Is it a Utopia?
Thanks also to father Jestoni and Prinky.
I carry all of this with me. May we continue building bridges, breaking down walls, seeking justice, and caring for each other. Let’s focus on positive action, working for a better world, inspired by Jesus, who heals and sends us out as He did with saint J.B. Scalabrini.
Thank you
Fr. Jonas
