Milan church concert calls for inclusion ahead of Winter Paralympics

A Terzo Tempo choir of about 70 teenagers and adults performed at Milan's Sant'Antonio church on Feb. 18, calling for harmony and inclusion as the Winter Paralympics approach; the Archdiocese of Milan created a branch in 2021 to raise awareness of inclusion.

Days before the Winter Paralympics, a choir performed a pop-music concert inside Milan's Sant'Antonio church to call for harmony and inclusion, with a particular focus on people with disabilities. Around 70 teenagers and adults from the Terzo Tempo choir traveled from nearby Abbiategrasso for the Feb. 18 performance titled "Like Yeast in the Dough." The event is part of the Archdiocese of Milan's approach to use the Olympic and Paralympic moment to communicate Christian values. The archdiocese created a branch in 2021 focused on raising awareness of inclusion across parishes and local oratories. What is known: - The Terzo Tempo choir performed on Feb. 18 at Sant'Antonio church in Milan and included about 70 participants from Abbiategrasso. - The concert's repertoire included songs in Italian and English and a Congolese samba, chosen to reflect diversity and Olympic-related values. - The Archdiocese of Milan established a dedicated office in 2021 to promote inclusion and works through parishes and oratories. - Church leaders said they aim to involve disabled and non-disabled people together in activities and training, and oratories host athlete testimonies including from Paralympians. Summary: The concert underscores the archdiocese's effort to promote inclusion within parish life and to use the Games as an occasion for sharing values connected to sport and community. Undetermined at this time.