The door of hospitality

​At the start of the Jubilee of Mercy (2015–2016), during a general audience on December 9, 2015, Pope Francis asked pilgrims: Why a Jubilee of Mercy? What does this mean? And what will it teach us? Pope Francis said that we must stand firm in the Lord and work to build a better world: despite difficulties and sad events, what really matters is how Christians are called to encounter the “Lord’s Day.”

This is the story of one of our grade 10 students, Sebastian.. At the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy until the end of the 2016 year, Sebastian decided to put Pope Francis’ vision for the Year of Mercy into practice by graciously holding the front entrance door of our St. Martin de Porres School every morning for staff, students and visitors.

Sebastian welcomed and invited all of us to encounter the “Lord’s Day” with his warm hello and welcoming nature. In his own small way, he made a huge impact on our school community during our Jubilee Year of Mercy.

As I reflect on this small but impactful gesture, the themes of hospitality and welcoming come to mind during this Advent season, notably the innkeeper who welcomed Mary and Joseph. I also think fondly of my Italian parents who came to Canada well over 50 years ago and how they made a life in Canada for themselves and for my brother and me.

My parents, Serafino (age 87) and Letizia (89) have always practised hospitality. Even though they didn’t have much, they offered whatever they had with a humble, authentic and serving heart. They modelled for us, as children, the importance of how we live in relationship with one another. They stressed that our beliefs should impact our behaviour. Genuine Christian love is found in the way we respond to others, the way we greet strangers with hospitality, making them feel at home where they are.

This was the greatest gift my parents have given me, and it has served me well in my life. As we prepare to welcome our Saviour at Christmas, let us always practise the gift of being hospitable and welcoming people.

May the gifts of love, hospitality, peace and happiness be yours at Christmas and in the New Year.

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Written by MT Vecchio-Romano. MT is a Teacher Chaplain in the Calgary Catholic School District – currently serving at Bishop Grandin and St. Timothy High Schools.

Photos courtesy of MT Vecchio-Romano