July 14: Young Catholics have vowed to help disabled people following a visit from an Italian cyclist during the Bangladesh leg of a marathon charity ride across Asia to Italy.

Their inspiration came in the form of Matteo Tricarico, 41, a travel agent and former Red Cross volunteer who is cycling from Vietnam to Italy to raise awareness of the plight of poor disabled people.

“In many countries disabled people are considered the ‘last of the last.’ As a student, I worked for the Red Cross and later in several developing countries. I’ve seen the sufferings of the disabled and realized that God is calling me to work for them,” he told ucanews.com.

“In developing countries there are fewer people to work for disabled people. So I’m trying to inspire young people to think and work for them,” he said on the sidelines of a youth seminar at the Bangladesh Christian Students’ Hostel in Dhaka last week.

Seminar participants said they found Tricarico’s mission to raise awareness very inspiring.

“I was greatly encouraged by his genuine feelings for disabled people. From now on I will visit them at different centers, sympathize with them
and listen to their life sharing,” said Nicholas Rozario, a 19-year-old Catholic student.

“Tricarico’s journey and concern for disabled people inspires me to be more responsible and respectful to the disabled. In future I will also
work for them,” said Rowming Liang Bom, an indigenous Catholic student.

Disabled people from the Missionaries of Charity-run Home of Compassion, where Tricarico paid a short visit, said they were moved by his concern
for them.

“Disabled people life is a painful life. When we know someone cares so much for us, we feel happy,” said Dayarani Mondol, a paralyzed Hindu woman. Tricarico is now heading toward Nepal via India.

Source: http://www.cathnewsindia.com