Last Saturday night the Community of Sant’Egidio of London organized the monthly event Our Cup of Tea for older lonely people and homeless. The event, launched in March for 15 invitees, has now more than 60 habitual guests. The menu consists of two course meals and sweets offered by the shops and supermarkets of the neighborhood.

Our Cup of Tea has also become an occasion to celebrate birthdays, such as Florence’s, who was moved by the affection that her younger friends have showed. “A hot meal and a lot of friendship: this is the recipe for a new family without borders” said a member of the Community of London. Many the greetings of the young and the teenagers that have helped prepare the venue and serve the dinner, describing the event as “an occasion that made me feel like I did something important”.

The friendship between the elderly and the youngsters that the Community of Sant’Egidio promotes in the world is also in London a great sign of hope against the loneliness that is present in such a big metropolitan city. “It’s nice to know that even in London, despite the chaotic pace of the city, there is a homely space of true friendship” said another member of the Community of London. “We need to thank our older friends and the homeless for their friendship that teaches us so much every day”.