City Angels, the well-known volunteer organization based in Milan, is set to host their annual interfaith Christmas prayer event for the homeless on Tuesday, December 24, at noon. Taking place at Piazza Duca d’Aosta, directly in front of the Central Station and the Hotel Gallia, this heartwarming gathering aims to embody the spirit of unity and compassion during the holiday season.
The event, which has become a cherished tradition over the years, will feature prominent religious figures coming together to lead prayers advocating for peace and solidarity. Among those leading the ceremony will be Don Claudio Burgio, the chaplain for the Beccaria juvenile prison, and Imam Khaled Elhediny, along with Rabbi Chazanim Valentino Yakov Cameroni, Pastor Sophie Langeneck of the Methodist Church, and Father Dario Rafo from the Orthodox Church. Bhante Dhammasiri, representing the Buddhist community, and Krishna monk Jay Gauranga, who is responsible for Food for Life Lombardia, will also join the interfaith dialogue.
“We will pray for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, seeking what unites us rather than what divides us,” stated Mario Furlan, founder of City Angels. This year’s prayer is particularly poignant, reflecting the current global challenges and the need for unity among various faiths and communities.
Furlan also encourages Milanese citizens to attend, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to the homeless population who often feel invisible during the festive season. “It is significant for us to extend our hands to the individuals living on the streets, reminding them they are not alone,” he added.
The event is not only symbolic but also practical. Following the prayers, at approximately 12:30 PM, the City Angels will distribute warm meals to the homeless, made possible through the generosity of the Hare Krishna community, along with contributions of food and panettone from Coop Lombardia and philanthropist Adolfo Vannucci. The hairs of local celebrities will brighten up the atmosphere as rocker Marco Ligabue performs some of his songs, bridging the spirit of celebration with compassion.
A second opportunity for kindness will also follow shortly after the Christmas event, with the return of the Befana del Clochard on January 6. The luxurious Principe di Savoia hotel will host 200 homeless individuals for lunch, treating them to a festive meal served by well-known figures from the entertainment and cultural sectors, as well as local political representatives.
Multiple public figures, including parliament members and regional councilors, will serve as waitstaff during this remarkable event, emphasizing the rich collaborative spirit of the Milanese community. Notably, renowned chef Christian Garcia, flown from Monte Carlo exclusively for this occasion, will lead the kitchen alongside other celebrated chefs to prepare the vegetarian menu, showcasing respect and love for all living beings.
City Angels have been active since their founding by Mario Furlan in 1994, now operating across 20 Italian cities and two Swiss locations with over 600 volunteers, predominantly women. The organization focuses on aiding the underprivileged community year-round. During Christmas and New Year, volunteers will be on the streets offering necessary supplies and gifts to the homeless, ensuring no one feels neglected during the holidays. The City Angels will also organize Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve celebrations at their reception center located on via Gino Pollini, where they aim to provide solace and joy to those most affected by hardships.
“Even the least among us need to feel loved and not alone during the festivities,” Furlan remarked, echoing the sentiment of many participants at this year’s event and the importance of solidarity this Christmas season.
