The Italian Church and disabled persons. Sister Veronica Donatello (CEI): “In the past 25 years we went a long way”

A quarter of a century to change pace. It’s the timeframe planned by the Italian Church to overcome old-dated stereotypes and beliefs, finally opening up to the inclusion of disabled persons. The period when imperfections were ascribed to a “Malleus maleficarum”, to relations with the devil, or when physical integrity was seen as a sign of rectitude of the soul, belong to a bygone era. And while until a few years ago they were still described as “handicapped”, “unhappy” persons, now also language has been purified. Indeed, the idea of the human person in its entirety manages to filter through, albeit not always easily. “Nobody can be identified with its limits or disabilities, being a person is a what we share as Christians”, pointed out Sister Veronica Amata Donatello, coordinator of the Sector for the Catechesis of disabled persons of CEI national Catechetical Office. Joyful and hard-working, Sister Veronica is relentlessly engaged in promoting an inclusive Church. On the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of the Sector, she coordinated the organization of the conference“… and you will always eat at my table” (2 Sam 9:1-13) to be held in Rome June 11 in the Paul VI Hall. Participants will also be received in audience by Pope Francis: “It’s a gift, a token of gratitude to the Italian Church.”

Good practices. During the meeting, that will open with an occasion of inclusive prayer sung with sign language by people with hearing impairment, animated by a dance performed by youths with Down Syndrome, participants will present ten experiences of good practices. “Over 110 dioceses who have been deeply committed in this area for the past years, have responded to our appeal. The catechesis of disabled persons doesn’t only involve Christian initiation – Sister Veronica said _. It also accompanies the Church and the Christian community in daily life. It’s the case of a course for engaged couples, that includes a couple with disabilities. The slogan is: “I have not come to bring you misfortune but to challenge you.”

Personal testimonies, such as the experience of the parish of Saint Martyrs of Uganda in Rome. “It’s the most inclusive parish congregation I’ve known. Their commitment focuses on countering the culture of exclusion – continued Sister Veronica – welcoming those who are not accepted. The parish priest has put much effort in combating prejudice. Today there are new migrants, people with difficulties. The family atmosphere is a beautiful thing.”

Thus it often happens to see at Mass a mother and a father taking part in the celebration, while their son, not without some difficulties, is playing with his peers. It’s a parish that made room and questioned itself, where the offering of gifts at the altar takes place in different ways and the prayer of the faithful is interpreted by children with autism spectrum disorders through communicative symbols. “It has become the taste of normality”, the coordinator underlined.

Liturgy of differences. The Gospel is for all, the Lord is for all. In the Bible, each time Jesus heals a person he restores him to the community as well. That’s why combating prejudice is equally important. “All forms of support are welcome, the elimination of architectural barriers is important, but without a change of perspective it will remain a top-down approach.” There are also forms of cognitive disability, representing an even greater challenge. “These are issues we all need to address, priests and pastoral workers alike. Our task is to provide the right answers to be shared with those in need. Whether parish priest, religious, or parent.” The Italian Church is especially sensitive to the needs of the family:

“A disabled child or a disease could enter the life of a family. Unless they are appropriately prepared they will be devastated like an earthquake.”

The Catechetical Office is also engaged in the area of the liturgy in conjunction with the competent CEI Office to ensure inclusion and sensitivity to diversity. “If would be a shame if the liturgy failed to make them feel involved. Liturgy is an element that remains in time, so it must be participative.”

Ministry. The Italian State promulgated the first law in favour of disabled persons in 1971, the Church started long before. Sister Veronica does not conceal her satisfaction: “We were ahead of its time. We published the first document in the 1970s. Practical activity proceeded at a slower pace, but today we have reached a good point”. In fact, the Guidelines for the Proclamation of Catechesis in Italy mention people with disabilities in every section:

“People with disabilities are not separate from us. They belong to the People of God. In the past years we tried to offer clear guidelines and tools. A great struggle was made. Focusing on the fact of being special does not further inclusion. In fact it promotes exclusion.”

There is still a long way to go in terms of access to priestly ministry or consecrated life on the part of disabled persons. There are very few cases in Italy today, and in fact they constitute an exception. “We must have the courage to make a step forward, to ensure that the person with disabilities may find his place inside the Church. Many solve the question with an easy answer: “They should pray!” But why should only people with disabilities pray? Everyone is called to bear Christian witness, not only by praying.” There is nothing like first or second-class faithful. Moreover, except for cases of blatant discrimination often caused by ignorance, Italian dioceses are in the front line: “I have met many bishops displaying exceptional sensitivity. There is not a void but a constantly evolving movement.”