Misericordie, a training program in Tuscany for 15 Ukrainian brothers
The Misercordie, as we know, are the oldest form of volunteering, dating back to 1244, but even today that model of service to others continues not only to withstand the ravages of time, but also to generate new experiences. It's even more striking that this new generation is coming from a country at war because it was invaded, like Ukraine.
These days, fifteen young volunteers from the newly formed Misericordia of Ivano-Frankivsk, a city of over 200,000 inhabitants in the west of the country, halfway between Lviv and Romania, are staying with four Misericordias in Tuscany, to gain a firsthand experience of the reality and activities of the "mother" organization, in the land that gave birth eight centuries ago to the oldest volunteer movement in the world.
"These," explains a statement from the National Confederation of Misericordie d'Italia , "are 12 girls and three boys (including three minors) who arrived two days ago and will be hosted until August 3rd by the Misericordie of Borgo a Mozzano (Lucca), Cascina (Pisa), Empoli (Florence), and Mercatale Val di Pesa (Florence). This continues the process of international collaboration and training between the National Confederation of Misericordie d'Italia and the newly established Misericordia of Ivano-Frankivsk, promoted within the Archeparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church."
After an initial training program in Ukraine in March 2025 (which involved approximately 30 local volunteers in an intensive program of social assistance, protected transportation, and psychological support), the second phase is now underway in Italy, with fifteen Ukrainian volunteers hosted in Tuscany for on-the-job training, thanks to the commitment of the Regional Federation and the availability of four confraternities.
The volunteers come from the Misericordia Foundation of the Archeparchy of Ivano-Frankivsk, which coordinates medical, humanitarian, and social aid in Ukraine, with about sixty volunteers already involved. "The project was created to share the best practices of the Italian Misericordia model, based on service, training, and proximity, and to strengthen the international cooperation network in crisis situations," they explained to the Confederation.
The program in Tuscany includes daily volunteer work, training sessions, cultural experiences, and moments of shared spirituality, also in preparation for the 2025 Youth Jubilee.
The initiative was promoted by Father Ivan Stefurak and Father Vitalii Maksymiv , representatives of the Ukrainian Foundation, with the direct support of the national president of the Confederation of Misericordie d'Italia, Domenico Giani , whose visit to Ukraine is scheduled for mid-August 2025.
Giani himself commented on this collaboration with these words: "In a time marked by conflict and inequality, our role on the international scene is growing: we bring a model of aid that combines efficiency and humanity, rooted in Christian values and open to the world. In mid-August, I will personally be in Ivano-Frankivsk to lead a new mission: a gesture of concrete support that reaffirms our commitment to the Ukrainian people, especially the most vulnerable. It is not just a humanitarian journey, but a sign of brotherhood and fidelity to our history. The Misericordie are here and will be here," he declared.
Alberto Corsinovi , president of the Tuscan Federation, echoed his sentiments, saying, "As always, the Tuscan Misericordie have made themselves available in the spirit of welcome that distinguishes our region. We are happy to be able to introduce these young people to the reality and activities of our Misericordie and to help foster the birth of a new form of mercy, which is a seed of charity. I would like to thank the confraternities for their commitment to welcoming them."
A fraternal cooperation – the adjective fits perfectly – that could very soon be decisive in the growth of the movement in that tormented country.
In the opening photo, from the press office of Misericordie d'Italia, the newly arrived Ukrainian group.
Vita.it
