The Canticle of Canticles and my testimony of cristiana lGBT In the parish

Reflections by Giulia di Kairos, group for LGBT Christians and their parents in Florence

Dear all, I am writing to you for a short report on the meeting that took place on Monday 17 December, after dinner, at the Blessed Virgin parish Maria Madre delle Grazie, historical parish of the Isletto district of Florence. The meeting, led by the new parish priest Don Luca Niccheri, was part of a wider cycle of biblical meetings focused on Song of Songs and he was aimed at a youth audience, with the participation open to all interested people.

This theme of the relationship with the other has been addressed starting from our testimonies and personal experiences of glbt people, starting from the discovery of their emotional orientation, passing through the coming out, which is a fundamental stop for greater authenticity of our existence , to arrive, through our stories, at the current moment, with the inevitable hopes for our future and also of The Church.

For me that of last Tuesday was a fundamental experience, returning to my parish, in which I had been missing for too many years, in mutual peace and welcome, with something beautiful to say and to share with other people, also my companions of walking on this often tiring but always exciting journey through life. The words this time came out like a river, I felt free to speak by drawing from my heart and from the sensitivity developed in these long years, without waiting for me in return. The people of the parish have carefully listened to our stories almost silent, a lot of interest and openness was perceived in the good sense of the term.

There was not much room for questions because of the presence of a gentleman who gave space and free rein to his prejudices, but, at least for me, it was not a trauma, he is simply a person in difficulty for whom I will pray , for its serenity. The dialogue continued with few but interesting questions, given the late hour, and ended with heartfelt thanks from those present, who were very happy and grateful for having been able to face with us such a complex and delicate theme in the Church current.

In short, a new beginning for everyone, a small seed thrown into the earth that I am sure will bring its fruits, of course with the times of the Lord, who often surprise us positively, because they follow another logic. Happy holidays to all!

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> "The love of my soul". Rereading the Canticle starting from a LGBT experience. Biblical reflections made by Innocenzo of the Kairos Group of Florence at the meeting on the "Canticle of Canticles starting from a LGBT experience" held in the Florentine parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of the Isolotto on 17 December 2018