Community of Sant'Egidio

Sant'Egidio

Riccardi

Community of Sant'Egidio is a Christian lay movement founded in 1968, shortly after the Second Vatican Council, in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome, Italy. The community is named after the Church of Sant'Egidio (St. Giles) in Trastevere where it first gathered. Today, it has more than 50,000 members in more than 70 countries throughout the world. The Community of Sant'Egidio is dedicated to social service, prayer, and spreading the Gospel. It is recognized by the Catholic Church and has a special status as an international public association of the faithful.

History

The Community of Sant'Egidio began on the initiative of a young Roman high school student, Andrea Riccardi, who, inspired by the Gospels and the Second Vatican Council, sought to live a Christian life that included service to the poor, prayer, and evangelization. The community grew as other students and young adults joined Riccardi in his efforts. By the early 1970s, the community had established a pattern of prayer, Bible study, and service to the needy, including friendship with the poor, visits to the elderly in nursing homes, and assistance to the homeless.

Mission and Activities

The Community of Sant'Egidio has a broad range of activities focused on service to the poor, peace, and evangelization. These include:

• Service to the Poor: The community is actively involved in various social service projects, including programs for the homeless, elderly, and immigrants. It also runs soup kitchens, provides medical care, and assists with education and job training.
• Peace Initiatives: Sant'Egidio has gained international recognition for its role in mediating conflicts and fostering peace, particularly in Africa. It has successfully mediated peace talks in countries such as Mozambique and Guatemala.
• Prayer and Liturgy: Daily prayer is central to the life of the community. Members gather for evening prayer in their local communities, and prayer is considered essential for supporting their service and peace efforts.
• Evangelization: The community is committed to spreading the Gospel through personal relationships, Bible study, and outreach to those who are distant from the faith or living in difficult situations.

Structure and Recognition

The Community of Sant'Egidio is organized in small, local communities, each of which is part of the larger international movement. While it has a central office in Rome, each local community maintains a degree of autonomy in its activities and projects. The community's leadership includes a president and a council, which are responsible for guiding its global initiatives.

The Community of Sant'Egidio has received numerous recognitions from the Catholic Church and international organizations for its service and peace efforts. It operates as a public lay association recognized by the Holy See, and its founder, Andrea Riccardi, has received several awards and honors for his work with the community.

Criticism and Challenges

Like any large organization, the Community of Sant'Egidio has faced criticism and challenges. These have included questions about its decision-making processes, its approach to ecumenism, and the sustainability of its projects. However, the community continues to be an influential force in the Catholic Church and in international humanitarian efforts.

Conclusion

The Community of Sant'Egidio represents a unique model of Christian lay engagement in the world. Through its commitment to prayer, service to the poor, and efforts for peace, it has made a significant impact on the lives of many people around the globe. Its work demonstrates the potential of faith-based organizations to contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing problems.