70 times 1,100

A few weeks ago, the Arsenale della Speranza reached the milestone of 77,000 different people welcomed since 1996.
77,000 people who have found at least one night of hospitality in this home, someone to welcome and listen to them, a plate of food, a hot shower, a night's rest, without fear of violence.

When we were informed that we had reached this number, we immediately thought of Jesus' response to Peter, who asked him how many times he should forgive his brother: "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven" (Mt 18:22). Well, each of us who in some way follows or participates in the activities of the Arsenali and Sermig can say, with humility, but also with a certain pride, that together with the Arsenale della Speranza, in these 29 years, we have been able to forgive 1,100 people 70 times, that is, 77,000.

Yes, because to open the doors of a shelter like ours and welcome thousands of people every day, wounded by life and their own choices, it's not enough to offer a bed, a plate of rice and beans, a shower, a class—even if all of this is done in the best possible way—it's essential, above all, to offer a genuine opportunity to regain hope and dignity. And also, or first of all, an enormous dose of mercy for those who have just arrived, whoever they may be: those who passed through the Arsenal ten years ago and are now returning, those released from prison after serving their sentence, those fleeing crime, the foreigner seeking a place in this new land, the young man who until now has found his only "love" in drugs, but also the elderly person who can no longer be with his family, and even those who, until the day before yesterday, lived off assaults and robberies, those who have killed...

By practicing hospitality, we have certainly also welcomed angels without knowing it (Heb 13:1-8), who have helped us and will continue to do so, but in this time; as perhaps in all times, it becomes increasingly necessary to welcome and forgive as a community; everyone is needed to try to live out Jesus's desire: not to lose any of those entrusted to us.

The Sermig Fraternity in Brazil
NP November 2025