In a historical moment marked by conflict and division, a peripheral district of Milan, Baggio, offers an innovative perspective on the figure of St. Francis. The San Giovanni Bosco parish is promoting a series of events, “St. Francis 1226-2026,” which began on May 13th with a performance by Lella Costa. The initiative focuses on a singular, yet profoundly relevant episode from the Saint’s life: his encounter with the Sultan in the summer of 1219.
Encountering the Other: A Lesson from History
St. Francis embarked on his journey alongside the Crusaders, a context where the logic of war, even a ‘just and holy’ one, was ingrained in his culture. He never explicitly condemned war in a pacifist sense. Yet, driven by a desire for martyrdom, Francis chose to cross the battle lines unarmed. Instead of death, he faced vexations, violence, and imprisonment.
Before the Sultan, Francis spoke of the Gospel, eliciting surprise and admiration. While his words did not immediately convert the Sultan, this encounter led Francis to a profound realization: to recognize in the ‘other’ not a fierce animal, but a human being equal to himself, moved by similar piety and religiosity. This interpretation suggests an innovative ‘conversion’ of Francis’s own mind.
Upon his return to the Crusader camp, Francis ‘prophetically’ urged against fighting the next day, foreseeing a defeat. This indeed came to pass. Perhaps this prophecy was, in essence, an invitation to refrain from violence against those recognized as fellow human beings.
Building Bridges in a Culture of Violence
In a widespread culture that often justifies violence and war, this historical episode offers an alternative vision: the creation of bridges. Recognizing the inherent dignity of the ‘other’ immediately disarms both words and actions. In our peripheral urban areas, often inhabited by people of diverse origins and cultures, this approach is the only viable path to social peace. Peace is not a given; it is an objective of a cultural and human process that demands the arduous effort of crossing boundaries.
Lella Costa and the Inaugural Event
The series commenced on Wednesday, May 13th, at 9 PM, at the San Giovanni Bosco Theatre (via Mar Nero 10, Milan), with a heartfelt performance by Lella Costa. She presented a reading of “L’obbedienza non è più una virtù” (Obedience is no longer a virtue), Don Lorenzo Milani’s “Letter to Judges.” This powerful text is a timely invitation to disobey all forms of coercion, war, and the language of force. The reading was interspersed with musical selections from the Sephardic tradition, drawing from Franciscan repertoire, curated by Professor Paolo Bovio. Admission was free.
A Comprehensive Program for Reflection
This inaugural event marks the beginning of the “San Francesco 1226-2026” series, which will extend into late autumn. The program includes a diverse range of activities: conferences, theatrical performances for both adults and children, photographic exhibitions, and workshops. Among these is a documentary reportage to be filmed during the summer, when the parish’s adolescents will engage in volunteer work with Caritas of Trieste, assisting migrants along the Balkan Route. All these initiatives are under the direction of the actress and theatrical director, Roberta Biagiarelli.
The Enduring Relevance of Don Lorenzo Milani
The choice to feature Don Lorenzo Milani’s work alongside the Franciscan theme is particularly poignant. Milani, an Italian priest and educator, was a fierce advocate for social justice and peace, challenging established norms and urging critical thinking, especially concerning war and obedience. His “Letter to Judges” remains a powerful testament to the importance of conscience over blind adherence to authority. By bringing his words to a contemporary audience, the Baggio parish underscores the timeless relevance of his message in fostering a more just and peaceful society.
Milan’s Periphery: A Laboratory for Peace
The decision to host such a profound series of reflections in a Milanese periphery is not accidental. These areas, often characterized by a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences, serve as crucial laboratories for inter-human dialogue and the practical application of principles of peace and mutual respect. The challenges faced in these communities – integration, understanding, and coexistence – mirror the broader global imperative to build bridges rather than walls. The “San Francesco 1226-2026” series, therefore, transcends a mere cultural event; it becomes a vital contribution to social cohesion and a model for other urban centers grappling with similar issues.
Conclusion: A Call to Re-cognition
The “San Francesco 1226-2026” series in Baggio, Milan, is more than a commemoration; it is an active engagement with history to illuminate contemporary challenges. By revisiting St. Francis’s revolutionary act of unarmed dialogue and Don Milani’s call for conscientious objection, the initiative encourages a fundamental shift in perspective: from viewing the ‘other’ with suspicion to recognizing their shared humanity. In a world increasingly fragmented, the message from Milan’s periphery is clear: peace is forged not through isolation, but through courageous encounters, mutual understanding, and the tireless effort of building bridges of dialogue and respect.
Source: https://www.chiesadimilano.it/news/chiesa-diocesi/baggio-rassegna-san-francesco-2871607.html
