On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I heard Pope Francis speak about the possibility of entrusting ministries—like altar server or catechist—to people with disabilities, so they could play an active role in the Christian community.
His words stayed with me. I am a catechist at Samz, working with a group preparing for confirmation. For years, I have also been part of the Gratosoglio community of Fede e Luce: it was there, from the very beginning, that I came to know Nora and Paola at our monthly gatherings.
Nora Buccheri is a 62-year-old woman with a disability who lives alone in the Gratosoglio neighborhood after her mother's death. She worked for many years but is now often on temporary layoff. Paola Colombo is a 52-year-old woman with Down syndrome who works part-time at a Milan supermarket and lives in an apartment next to her sister's home.
Fede e Luce's spiritual life nourished us—nourished our growth and our faith—together with the formation offered by our parish, Maria Madre della Chiesa and San Barnaba, to young people and adults. Nora and Paola became women of faith: devoted to prayer and Scripture, living their relationship with Jesus as a living, real friend to follow and love.
In 2021 we organized an experimental retreat in Massa Carrara with the Navigli deanery of Milan, bringing together people from Fede e Luce and young people, mostly post-confirmation catechists. It was an intense experience that sparked deep friendships. During those days, Nora and Paola's gifts became clear to everyone: their ability to hold the group together was unmistakable. Pope Francis's words came back to me then. I asked Nora and Paola if they would like to be catechists. They answered with enthusiasm.
I spoke with my pastor, Father Davide Milanesi, and the other catechists. They warmly embraced the idea. Then, in September, during an audience with Pope Francis for Fede e Luce's 50th anniversary, when my turn came to speak with him, I didn't miss the chance. I told him that the following day, Paola and Nora would receive their mandate as catechists in Milan. He was delighted and thanked me.
For Nora and Paola, the satisfaction is profound. After a year in ministry, Nora felt deeply "the responsibility of accepting this mission to teach God's Word to the children. With Rita, my fellow catechist, we threw ourselves into explaining Scripture to children who will receive confirmation in October. We divide them into groups so the teaching works better. One time I led a group of girls, and another time the boys: we showed a video of Ukrainian children talking about the war. I had them write down their feelings on paper. We had just read the parable of the Good Samaritan—the children surprised me with what they wrote. This catechism work reminds me of my own confirmation preparation, and how vital it is for bringing you closer to God in your life's journey."
Paola is grateful to Jesus for giving her the chance to be a catechist because: "The Lord gives me so much faith. At first I didn't understand what I was supposed to do; then I asked the children a question, and they went quiet and listened to me."
I can confirm it myself: when Nora and Paola speak, the children fall silent and listen. Without any need for explanation, the children recognize that Nora and Paola have their own gifts, they respect those gifts, and they know it's worth paying attention.
