Rose in Rome: Helping Hands

Mormon Helping Hands

Early Saturday morning on July 19, 22 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in a day of service for their community. Missionaries, newly baptized members, ecclesiastical leaders and those not of our faith downed white vests, with the inscription “Mormon Helping Hands” in red and green on the front, and the Church’s name on the back.

Mormon Helping Hands is a priesthood-directed Church program that provides community service and disaster relief to those in need. It offers organized opportunities for Church members to give of their time and talents. Members have the opportunity to beautify city streets, parks and recreational areas and to serve in other ways, showing that the Church is a friend to the community.

The event was organized and led by Emanuele Cascone, Stake Clerk and a member of the High Council overseeing missionary work. Six car loads of willing able-bodies met at 7:45 on a very hot morning to lend a hand in the city of Guidonia Montecelio. Participants were mostly from the Rome 2nd and Rome 6th Wards. Eleven missionaries united their energies and encouraged newly baptized members; Jerwin and Jomar Duque, Carol Laender, Marco Mercuri and Luca Colasante to take part. Also contributing their time and efforts were: a member from the Rome 2 Bishopric, Brother Salerno, and a member from the Stake Presidency, President Celestini, who brought his 14 and 8 year old sons, members Ralf, Brother Bosco, Ernesto, Dario and Marco Tummincello. Daniele Fulli is a young man who is taking the English classes taught by the missionaries and is investigating the church also, he also accepted the invitation to serve.

The purpose of the service project was to clear and trim overgrown grass and weeds and to beautify the surrounding 3-acre property called, “La Piccola Pietra”, meaning “The Little Stone”. The edifice serves as a refuge for single women and their children.

A steep, long walk way was virtually impassable because of overgrown grass and debris. Workers removed fallen branches, shoveled and swept dirt, and handpicked weeds to make a safe walk way for the residences. The brethren mowed large areas of grass that stood 2-3 feet tall. Others trimmed rose bushes that were withered and hidden behind months of overgrown weeds. In the center garden situated a beautiful statue of the Savior, whose hands are out-stretched to welcome visitors, and was almost overseen because of the overrun wildflowers. Upon completion of the day, the statue now stands as the focus to the entrance of the property.

By the end of the four-hour effort, everyone was drenched in sweat and was exhausted, but one and all had a smile on their face. Each person expressed gratitude for an opportunity to labor together and render assistance to their neighbor.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven”.

Mathew 5:6