Sabbath, March 8, was a joyous and floral day for the Adventist church in Catania, Sicily, the city of the volcano Etna. All the men dedicated poems, Bible verses, songs and flowers to the women in attendance. The time of worship, in which the congregation participated in part, helped us reflect, through some female figures from the Bible and beyond, on how to deal with life's difficulties by drawing with determination, strength and faith on what sustained these women: looking to Jesus the author and fulfillment of faith.
In the afternoon, after an agape fellowship meal, a gathering was held with games, anecdotes and the telling of personal experiences that enriched those present and created an atmosphere of good humor and lightheartedness.
In the late afternoon, some women from our church were invited to participate in a debate at the Basilica della Collegiata, in Catania, led by two renowned Catholic historians and theologians, Professors Adriana Valerio and Cettina Militello. In their speeches, they made qualified contributions reiterating how, after centuries of oblivion, women have carved out significant spiritual and moral roles within religious communities over the past 150 years.
According to a report by Anna Ciminello, Adventist Church of Catania, Sicily
Photo: WM IT