The Italian “Tavolata” without walls will take place for the third straight year on Saturday in Rome as global organizations unite on the eve of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
As some world leaders sew divisions and try to build walls, FOCSIV, a network of Christian organizations, and the Italian Catholic Scout Adult Movement (MASCI) are co-organizing the activity that is bringing together dozens of global organizations to promote unity and peace.
Global Catholic Climate Movement is among the organizations and frequently works with FOCSIV.
A row of tables 270 meters long, big enough to accommodate 150 people, will be set up in Rome, all in accordance with COVID-19 pandemic regulations. A flash mob also will take place, and the participants of the Tavolata will jump around for the activity, imitating the wave from their chairs.
The event comes as the world’s 2.4 billion Christians continue to celebrate the Season of Creation, the annual celebration of prayer and action for our common home that runs through 4 October, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.
“How many immigrants are the result of an unbalanced ecology, of environmental problems. Both migrants and the climate crisis are related,” said Gianfranco Cattai, President of FOCSIV.
“It is a common idea, shared and reinforced by Pope Francis, that we are all together in the same boat. In our community, no one can be excluded. The concept of solidarity, which is so diverse and has so many meanings, from the Catholic perspective implies that, beyond collaborating with our material resources, we must walk together with those who are most vulnerable.”
For more information visit the event website at http://www.tavolataitalianasenzamuri.it/