Many of the children had a dream come true thanks to these volunteers.

Who doesn´t enjoy seeing a child smile and having fun? Who can be indifferent to that fact that some children never really get to enjoy certain things, like going to a movie or an amusement park? University students from Rome (Italy) organized a day of fun for orphans and needy children, making a dream come true for many of them. They spent an afternoon together skating at an ice arena. Forty young volunteers came together on February 26th at an ice rink near St. Peter´s plaza to be "angels" for a group of orphans and children with family problems. After having fun for the afternoon skating, the volunteers prepared a special snack for them, then wrapped up the day with some games and contests. The young people unanimously acclaimed it a first-hand experience of the Holy Father´s motto for this Lent: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." The great majority of the participants are longing to help in other activities to bring smiles to these innocent faces who are less fortunate.

(March 26, 2003)