SOON WE WILL CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WHY AND HOW/TRA POCO SI CELEBRA IL NATALE PERCHÈ E COME

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We wish you a happy festive season/Vi auguriamo una

felice stagione festiva

We take this opportunity to wish you a happy and safe festive season reminding you of the true meaning of Christmas for those of the Christian Faith

As stated, many times on previous occasions the SCA respects the beliefs of all Faiths, as well as those who do not believe.

The above, and what follows, reflects the time of the year known as Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ as observed on December 25, by those of the Christian faith.

Christmas is marked by both religious and cultural traditions worldwide, and as we all should know, it is much more than the “silly season”. Therefore, what follows is a comprehensive insight as to the evolution of Christmas from a modern perspective, as written by Gavin Fowler (freelance writer for Medium Blog - “The home of human stories”.                       

1. Introduction:

Christmas has long been celebrated as a time of joy, love, and togetherness. However, as the years have passed and society has evolved, the way we celebrate this festive season has also undergone a transformation. In this blog post, we will delve into what Christmas has become today in our current world and explore the various aspects that contribute to its modern-day celebration;

2. Commercialization:

One cannot deny that Christmas has become highly commercialized in recent times. Huge amounts of money are spent on lavish decorations, extravagant gifts, and elaborate feasts, often overshadowing the true spirit of the season. The focus has shifted from meaningful connections and acts of kindness to consumerism and materialism. This shift is evident in the rise of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where people prioritize shopping deals and discounts over time spent with loved ones;

3. Social Media Influence:

In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in shaping the way we perceive and celebrate Christmas. Instagram-worthy decorations, meticulously wrapped presents, and picture-perfect holiday dinners dominate our feeds, creating an expectation of flawlessness. This constant exposure to curated content can lead to feelings of inadequacy and pressure to live up to an unattainable standard. However, it is essential to remember that genuine moments of joy and love cannot be captured in a photograph;

4. Technological Advancements:

Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we celebrate Christmas. Video calls, social media messages, and e-cards have replaced physical greetings, making it easier to connect with friends and family who are far away. Additionally, the advent of online shopping allows for convenient gift-buying, eliminating the need to brave crowded shopping malls. Yet, while technology provides convenience, it is vital not to let it substitute authentic face-to-face interactions during this time of year; 

5. Globalization:

Christmas, once celebrated primarily in Christian-majority countries, is now embraced by people of various cultures and backgrounds worldwide. As a result, modern-day Christmas celebrations have become more diverse and inclusive. Different customs, traditions, and festivals blend together to create a unique tapestry of holiday experiences. This cultural exchange helps foster understanding, appreciation, and a sense of unity among people from different walks of life;

6. Giving Back and Acts of Kindness:

Amidst the commercialization and materialism that can overshadow the holiday, there has been a resurgence in the focus on giving back and acts of kindness during Christmas. Many people use this time of year to volunteer, donate to charities, or engage in community service. The increased awareness of social issues and the desire to make a positive impact have created a more heart-centered approach to celebrating Christmas;

7. Conclusion:

Christmas has undoubtedly evolved in the modern world. While the commercialization of the holiday and the influence of social media may distract from its true essence, there are positive aspects to be celebrated as well. The globalized and technologically connected world allows us to exchange traditions, foster inclusivity, and spread love and kindness on a wider scale. As we navigate the complexities of the modern Christmas celebration, let us remember to prioritize genuine connections, meaningful acts of kindness, and the true spirit of the season. 

Trust, you enjoyed the above insight as “food for thought”.

Finally, it wouldn’t do me justice, if given this time of the year I didn’t refer you to the following link:
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon 1971

YouTube · Holiday Favorites

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is a song written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, released as a single in 1971 by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, ...

To me this beautiful song written an sung by my music idol, the late and great (no saint) John Lennon, its words are ever relevant given this time of the year and the many continuing conflicts. (ref. Ukraine, Middle East etc.) around the world.

Paolo lostia President SCA

What you need to know to live and work in Australia

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LET’S MAKE USE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE

BY THE

WITCARE HUB


The Witcare Hub is an IT platform for new Italian migrants, launched by the “COASIT - Comitato Assistenza Italiani & INAS - Instituto Nazionale Assistenza Sociale

The SCA, which had for many years identified the need for such a service, played an instrumental role in the working group which developed the Witcare Hub, urges you not to make this wonderful development just sit there gaining dust. 

I know, as I am sure you do, that for many years there have been numerous instances where new arrivals have been misled and misinformed at a substantial financial and human cost, when seeking advice prior or on arrival in Australia. 

The Witcare Hub is designed to stop this occurring, as unlike immigration agents, it is a not-for-profit entity where new arrivals can go to get advice free of charge.

Noteworthy is the fact that discussions are well on the way to also open a Witcare Hub office in Rome, so that advice can be accessed before deciding to come to Australia or not.

As many would know, it is not the role of the Italian Consulate to provide such advice.

Therefore, it is extremely important that people can obtain trustworthy advice, as even today as was the case when our parents came, even if for different reasons is a big decision and challenges when arriving with many unexpected difficulties.

The SCA is also pleased to note that one of its closest friends - Barbara Zoroddu is a pivotal person within the Witcare Hub team.

Barbara Zoroddu

I implore you that, if you know of any friends or family that are contemplating venturing into Australia, other than for a holiday, do not send them to an immigration agent but put then on to the Witcare Hub office in Melbourne, which is situated at 189-199 Faraday Street Carlton




Comprehensive additional information can also be accessed online www.witcare.org.au and appointment can be made via email Hub@witcare.org.au or https://hub-witcare.zohobookings.com.au/#/customer/witcare or by or by telephoning _61 03 9349 9000

Finally, the SCA once again states that the Witcare Hub provides a free orientation and information Service, assuring you that such information will be accurate and reliable, be it regarding visas, jobs, Pay study opportunities, health, and well-being and, as well as about Australia’s Society and Culture.

LIVING GENEROUSLY AND “PUTTING YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS” The Christopher Baker & Kerry Hall’s Way

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Kerry Hall and Christopher Baker Enquiries Welcome

GENEROSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN US

HERE’S HOW TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

Paolo Lostia - President of the Sardinian Cultural Association (Vic) Inc. (SCA), states that it is partnering with the not for profit Inner North Community Foundation, which serves the community from, for example, Richmond to Reservoir and Bundoora to Glenroy, to raise awareness and identify areas of need.

The Foundation was introduced to the SCA by Dr Christopher Baker, who died in 2020, and the love of his life partner Kerry Hall, who also died in 2017, became members of the SCA in 2014.

Christopher also became an integral part of the SCA’s Committee in 2018, highlighted by the awarding of the SCA’s “Certificate of Recognition” Award, shortly before his death, for his work towards the publication of the Book “Terra Sarda-Sardinian Home Cooking in Australia”.

Whilst Paolo attended his funeral together with a small gathering due to the Covid19 pandemic restrictions at the time, the opportunity to celebrate Christopher’s life was delayed. A community celebration was held in April that highlighted Christopher’s life and contributions to the local community.

Paolo spoke with passion about Christopher’s role and impact whilst on the SCA Committee, highlighting his strong values towards first nations people, multiculturalism, and the community in general.

Amongst many other interests in a voluntary nature,  Christopher was a Director of The Inner North Community Foundation (INCF) - https://www.innernorthfoundation.org.au since 2014, and it’s Chair since 2016.

Even on his passing Christopher showed that he put “his money where his mouth was,” when it was revealed by media headlines that the INCF was the beneficiary of generous gifts in Christopher’s will (ref. The Age -  “Their legacy is living on” - Melbourne couple leaves estimated $2.8m to charity (theage.com.au).

These gifts supported the CERES Fund (an environmental education centre, community garden, urban farm and social enterprise hub across four locations, linked by the Merri and Darebin Creeks on Wurundjeri Country) and the Social Studio Fund (providing education and employment opportunities to young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds).

Christopher and Kerri’s generosity also enabled the establishment of the “Bakers Dozen Social Justice Fund” https://www.innernorthfoundation.org.au/bakers-dozen.

Christopher said that the biggest gifts he received from his parents was his education, and his values. He wanted his legacy to support the people and place he called home, which is Melbourne’s North.

He was also keen to encourage others to be generous, so Christopher would want us to ask you to consider:

Please remember that a small percentage in your will to such causes can make a significant difference.

Paolo and Ben Rodgers - Executive Officer INCF, encourage you to donate to this most worthy initiative in memory and respect of, a two in a million human beings, Christopher and Kerry.or at least ask about the Foundation.

This can be done by contacting the Foundation on 03 8689 1967, asking to speak to speak to Caroline Doherty, via info@innernorthfoundation.org.au, or the SCA on 03 9458 2614 and speaking directly to Paul.

Finally, Paul states that all of the above is presented in remembrance of the great humanitarian values, regardless of race, color or creed, of the late Dr. Baker and Ms. Hall, not forgotten outstanding Members of the SCA.

_____________________________________________________________________

CONFERNZA INTERNAZIONALE DELL’EMIGRAZIONE SARDA

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Cagliari 28 & 29 Aprile 2023, Giovanni Chighine e Paolo Lostia rappresentano la Sardinian Cultural Association (SCA)

Si è conclusa, in Aprile 2023, con l’approvazione di un documento finale la Conferenza internazionale dell’emigrazione sarda. Lada Lai, l’Assessore al Lavoro della RAS, ha dichiarato “Disegnare un volto nuovo alle Comunità sarde nel mondo”

Apertura della Conferenza - Presidente della Regione Sardegna Christian Solinas

Nelle giornate del 28-29 aprile 2023, a distanza di 15 anni dalla precedente, si è svolta a Cagliari la Conferenza dell’Emigrazione Sarda, che ha riunito a Cagliari i rappresentati dell’emigrazione sarda in Italia e nel mondo.

 L’Australia e stata rappresentata da io e Giovanni Chighine (Sardinian Cultural Association), Fausto Zanda (Consultore Circoli Sardi in Australia), Pina Zanda (Queensland Sardinian Culture Club - Ulisse Usai), Andrea e Jazmine Pinna (Sardinian Cultural and Social Association Sydney).

Parte della delegazione dall’Australia, da sinistra – Fausto Zanda (Brisbane), Paolo Lostia (Melbourne), l’Assessore Ada LaI e Giovanni Chighine (Melbourne)

In totale si è visto circa 300 rappresentanti delle associazioni sarde nel mondo, cioè Circoli dall’Italia, Olanda, Spagna, Bulgaria, Germania, Polonia, Danimarca, Francia,Svizzera, Argentina, Brasile, Canada, Giappone, Stati Uniti, varie associazioni di Tutela, Federazioni d’Italia e membri della Consulta regionale per l’emigrazione. Tutti finanziati dalla Regione Sardegnas, grazie alla Legge Regionale n.7 15/1/1991introdotta dall'allora Assessore il Giorgio Carta defunto nel 2021.

Molto apprezzato è stato il fatto che nel programma, durante il quale si è visto due giorni d’intenso Lavoro (Vedi in seguito 1. - Programma) e stato incluso spazio per varie importanti celebrazioni durante questo periodo dell’anno. Ad esempio Sa Die De Sa Sardinia con Santa Messa Cantata, Sagra di S’Efisio e altri aspetti dell’identità sarda di oggi, come la Banda della Brigata Sassari, Rassegna Film “Made in Sardegna” e logicamente il Cagliari Calcio del grande Gigi Riva.

L’obiettivo dichiarato della Conferenza è stato quello di comprendere come meglio e/o diversamente coinvolgere le comunità di emigranti sardi e valorizzarne il contributo socio-culturale-economico, allineando le azioni e progettualità future alle indicazioni e prospettive indicate nella Strategia Regionale per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile.

A partire dalla lettura delle dinamiche del territorio nella loro complessità, la Conferenza ha indagato sui quali possano essere i possibili percorsi che favoriscano una migliore partecipazione delle comunità sarde in Italia e all’estero al processo di sviluppo regionale, che tengano conto delle interrelazioni ambientali, sociali ed economiche, mettendo a valore le risorse identitarie di ciascuna comunità.

Per il miglior raggiungimento di tale fine, la Conferenza è stata preceduta dalla realizzazione di un processo funzionale all’elaborazione di un document di riferimento, sulla valorizzazione della diaspora sarda per lo sviluppo sostenibile regionale.

Per allineare le progettualità future agli obiettivi indicati nella Strategia Regionale per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile, la Regione Sardegna si è avvalsa della collaborazione del Centro Studi di Politica Internazionale, a cui è stato commissionato uno il cui fine fosse quello di comprendere come meglio e/o diversamente coinvolgere le comunità di emigrati sardi e valorizzarne il contributo socio-culturale-economico.

Lo studio ha incrociato i dati di diverse metodologie di raccolta: sono stati presi in esame studi del recente passato sull’emigrazione sarda, realizzate interviste a testimoni e rappresentanti di circoli e federazioni, raccolte informazioni tramite un questionario a cui hanno partecipato ben 84 realtà. I dati sono stati infine analizzati sotto il profilo coerente della Strategia di sviluppo sostenibile per la Sardegna e presentati durante lo svolgimento della Conferenza.

I partecipanti hanno condiviso una Dichiarazione in cui riconoscono l’importanza delle comunità di sardi in Italia e nel mondo, che mantengono un legame con la loro terra d’origine. Agli emigrati sardi è riconosciuto il ruolo di attori, ponti e ambasciatori, sia fisici che virtuali, tra i territori d’origine e quelli nuovi, chiamati ad operare in connessione con i più recenti cambiamenti economico-sociali e valorizzando il ruolo delle nuove generazioni.

L’emigrazione sarda dovrà, inoltre, adeguarsi alla Strategia Regionale di sviluppo sostenibile e questo richiede la mobilitazione e l’attivazione di tutti, dalle Istituzioni, al Terzo settore, dalla società civile al settore privato e alle Università.

Grazie a un lavoro di condivisione e i cui risultati sono stati presentati (Vedi in seguito 2. - Dichiarazione finale), la Conferenza dell’Emigrazione Sarda ha consentito di individuare le più importanti esigenze dell’emigrazione sarda per il prossimo periodo:

Ripensare il ruolo dei circoli in Italia e negli altri Paesi a seconda dei differenti approcci delle diverse realtà associative, dei luoghi di emigrazione, dei percorsi individuali di sardi nel mondo al fine di ottenere una riforma della legge aggiornata ai contesti più recenti.

Alla luce della mobilitazione di nuove risorse oltre a quelle messe a disposizione dalla Regione Autonoma della Sardegna, potenziare il contributo di circoli e associazioni fuori dalla Sardegna tramite interessi, progetti, competenze per lo sviluppo sostenibile mediando tra contesti nuovi e contesti tradizionali.

Attraverso un coordinamento a livello nazionale ed europeo, integrare e promuovere il ruolo degli emigrati all’interno della Strategia per lo sviluppo sostenibile. Andranno coinvolti nella governance attuando processi di conoscenza e scambio reciproco tra principali attori.

Integrare la programmazione sull’emigrazione ampliando la strategia al benessere degli emigrati in accordo col principio dello sviluppo sostenibile sul benessere delle Persone.

Facilitare il dialogo con le realtà associative e le comunità di sardi espatriati per discutere sulle tematiche dello sviluppo sostenibile. Alcune sfide saranno: interculturalità e difesa dell’identità, tutela della biodiversità, turismo sostenibile e creazione di lavoro, solidarietà sociale.

Migliorare inclusività e dialogo attraverso la valorizzazione di capacità, conoscenze e competenze relazionali tra realtà associative fuori dalla Sardegna.

Dopo aver realizzato un censimento dinamico occorre intercettare talenti di emigrati sardi, in special modo di giovani e donne. Saranno realizzate iniziative sui temi dello sviluppo sostenibile.

Creare e sviluppare reti di interesse tra comunità e realtà associative sarde che trattino i temi dello sviluppo sostenibile in relazione ai territori d’origine.

Promuovere la cultura dinamica che abbia come epicentro le innovazioni dello sviluppo sostenibile (cultura e biodiversità, cultura e società, cultura e innovazione tecnologica) per migliorare il coinvolgimento dei giovani sardi.

Grazie al contributo dei circoli sostenere le realtà sarde al di fuori dell’isola, soprattutto quelle più fragili.

Infine, promuovere un coordinamento più efficace tra politica migratoria regionale e nazionale.

Futuri leader (sinistra), i leader di oggi (destra) e l’Assessore Ada Lai (centro) radunati per la proclamazione finale

Riferimento ai seguenti 3 link vi fornirà importanti aggiuntive informazioni

EASTER IS ABOUT TO BE CELEBRATED BY ALL CHRISTIANS

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Let’s Celebrate it together and, whatever our neighbour’s faith or should they have no faith, live in peace !

As we often say, doesn’t time fly ? Christmas and New Year just passed, already February 2023 and Easter not far away, in fact this year Easter Sunday is 9th. April "Oh, Mamma Mia"!
We of the SCA wish all those who celebrate Easter, a “Happy and Safe Easter/Buona Pasqua”, trusting that those of other faiths, or nonbelievers, will RESPECT our Celebration as we should RESPECT their beliefs.

We also refer you to the following, relevant to these times:

During Pope Francis’s recent visit to Africa, he celebrated Mass on 1/2/23 at Ndolo airport in Kinshasa to more than one million Congolese, of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At one point he said, “Jesus has named three sources from which to nurture Peace, they are Forgiveness, Community and Mission”.

 Also referring to the Gospel of the day (Jn20:20) he highlighted  “The great joy the disciples experienced on the evening of Easter and how this joy exploded, when they saw the Lord”.

Pope Francis finally noted that “In this atmosphere of joy and wonder, the risen Jesus speaks to us in four simple words (v.19), Peace be with you!”