The idea of I Colori di Colei che sa (“The Colors of She, who knows”) takes its cue from the experience of service at the ‘Bread for the Poor’ charity. In cooperation with the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in Padua, we have been contributing to its upkeep since 1990s.

We chose the name, “I Colori di Colei che Sa”, to reflect the variety of the participating women's skin color, clothes and countries of origin.

On 15 June 2015, Sr. Loredana Giugliano, together with Sr. Tiziana Merletti, started this journey with the first meeting.

There were 16 women and 11 kids, coming either from Morocco, Nigeria, Somalia, Albania, Ukraine and Cameroon. Since then, meetings have been taking place on a monthly basis, and training sessions are held by experts in different fields: medicine, psychology, law, art therapy, and job counselling.

All attendees are very happy to have such an opportunity. They consider it a unique and valuable time for themselves – an opportunity to participate in a journey of growth wherein they are the most important person in their own lives – unemployment and family issues are put in the background. 

They feel cared about -- and debate and dialogue are not only possible, but encouraged, helping them to feel free and authentic.

Over our years of conversations with these women and their families, especially with immigrant families, we noticed that women play an important – though routinely undervalued -- role in them, especially in the Arabic culture. Women have specific tasks: take care of the family, work, seek help for the family as needed and, sometimes, put up with violent, indolent husbands who are unwilling to work.

Let us listen to what some of them had to say:

“My experience in the group is definitely positive. Training sessions are really helpful for my personal growth. Fun and familiar moments with the women and with the Sisters are a breath of joy in my daily routine. I like having a moment and a space where we can talk together. Thanks to everyone.” Alma

“It is not easy to conceive of a situation in which women who are living out different realities and who have different issues can gather and talk but, thanks to the Sisters' insight, such a group came to be. This cheerful group provides an energetic atmosphere and engenders a desire to go forward enthusiastically, despite our daily difficulties.” Mounia

“Fondness, serenity and a lot of culture… this is what I found when meeting with the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. Even though we come from different countries, with different cultural and religious backgrounds, we are able to deal with issues which make us feel united and unique. I really encourage all women to attend the group, I Colori di Colei che Sa, because there you can find plenty of kindness and fondness.” Rajae

“The group is filled with serenity and lots of pure and honest love.” Angela

“Despite the diversity intrinsic to our cultures, we are a group of women willing to give mutual help through suggestions, experiences and prayers. Training sessions with experts support us in our integration into the host country.” Stella

“Thanks to your help and support, I do not feel alone in my illness anymore. My daughters and I suffered so much until Allah the Almighty chose to send you to help us and bring smiles to our faces.” Fadoua

The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor feel that it is a great challenge to put together women from different cultural background but, at the same time, we felt that when we open our home to hospitality and our hearts to dialogue we are greatly benefited.During the meetings, there are moments of prayer, when we know that God is one, and is Father to all of us, regardless of how we name Him.

Sr. Loredana Giugliano, sfp

Published: March 15, 2018