Pope: in Nomadelfia, 'model of fraternal love' inspired by the early Church

Among a community that aims to evoke the model of life of the first Christian communities, Francis emphasizes that "in response to a special vocation of the Lord, bonds are established that are much more solid than those of kinship. A consanguinity with Jesus is take place, proper to those who have been reborn from the water and the Holy Spirit and according to the words of the Divine Master ".

Vatican City (AsiaNews) -  A "model of fraternal love" inspired by the "early Church" and founded on the Law of fraternity, that is Nomadelfia. It is a town in Tuscany, which  Pope Francis visited today (in the picture) to be among the community that seeks to revoke the life of the first Christian communities: there is no money, there are no private goods, the children are raised by the community and the community cares for the elderly.

Founded in 1947 by Don Zeno Saltini and currently comprising about 300 people, Nomadelfia, visited in 1989 by John Paul II, "was - Francis said - the dream and the goal of the whole life of Don Zeno, who wanted a community of life inspired by the model outlined in the Acts of the Apostles ".

"Faced with the suffering of children who are orphaned or affected by difficulties - he said - don Zeno understood that the only language they understood was that of love. Therefore, he knew how to identify a peculiar form of society where there is no room for isolation or loneliness, but the principle of collaboration between different families is in force, where the members recognize themselves as brothers and sisters in the faith. Thus in Nomadelfia, in response to a special vocation of the Lord, bonds are established that are much more solid than those of kinship. A consanguinity with Jesus is put into practice, proper to those who have been reborn from the water and the Holy Spirit and according to the words of the Divine Master ".

Arriving in Nomadelfia shortly after 8.00 am, the Pope, welcomed by Fr Ferdinando Neri, successor of don Zeno, and Francesco Matterazzo, president of the Community, went to the cemetery for a prayer at the tomb of the founder, who died in 1981. Leaving the cemetery Francis met with the community, in a celebration of plays, songs and dances.

The Pope, who after Nomadelfia will also visit the nearby Loppiano, International Citadel of the Focolare Movement, before leaving the "nomadelfi" underlined "another prophetic sign of great humanity of Nomadelfia: it is about the loving attention towards the elders who, even when they are not in good health, remain in the family and are supported by the brothers and sisters of the whole community. Continue on this path, embodying the model of fraternal love, also through visible works and signs, in the many contexts where evangelical charity calls you, but always preserving the spirit of Don Zeno who wanted a 'simple' and essential Nomadelfia in its structures . Faced with a world sometimes hostile to the ideals preached by Christ, do not hesitate to respond with the joyful and serene witness of your life, inspired by the Gospel".

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• Nomadelfia
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• elderly