On a bright and heartfelt occasion, the Penzance Rotary Club had the honour of welcoming our friends from the Rotary Club of Val di Susa, nestled in the majestic Italian Alps.

The Spirit of Rotary: Friendship as Service

President Jon Symons, fellow Rotarians, and guests gathered to receive our Italian visitors with warmth and camaraderie. As our guests beautifully reminded us, Rotary teaches that “friendship is a means of service.” It is often the first gift we receive when we choose to walk together - and this gathering was a testament to that truth.

From the Alps to Cornwall: A Message from Val di Susa

The Val di Susa Rotary Club hails from a valley known for welcoming travellers, pilgrims, and messengers of peace. At its heart stands the Sacra di San Michele, a beacon of spirituality and courage. From this symbolic place, they look beyond borders, believing every boundary can become a bridge of friendship.

Their visit was not merely ceremonial - it was a gesture of goodwill and a foundation for a lasting bond. Guided by the Rotary theme for the upcoming year, “Unite for Good,” both clubs embraced the call to transcend geography and build peace together.

Introducing the Cammino di San Michele

At the centre of this collaboration is an inspiring initiative: the “Cammino di San Michele” (St. Michael’s Walk). This symbolic route connects sacred sites dedicated to Archangel Michael, stretching from Skellig Michael in Ireland to Mont Saint Michel in France, the Sacra di San Michele in Italy, St. Angel Mount in Manfredonia, Saint Michael Monastery in Symi, Greece, and Stella Maris in Palestine.

St. Michael, guardian of light and defender of good, serves as a guiding figure for a path of peace, unity, and Rotary fellowship.

Planting Seeds for the Future

This meeting laid the first stone for a shared journey. Plans are already underway for a future gathering in May 2026, where delegations from Avranches Mont Saint Michel, Susa and Val di Susa, and Manfredonia will join us in Penzance to exchange experiences, laughter, and collaborative projects.

This initiative reminds us that peace begins with small gestures - trust, shared meals, and the simple act of coming together.

Building Bridges, Not Just Structures

Doing good in Rotary goes beyond building schools or wells. It means building bridges between people, preventing conflict, and fostering fraternity. When clubs from different corners of the world meet, when mountains and seas recognise each other as kin, peace becomes tangible.

The theme “Unite to Do Good” calls us to act now - sharing lunch, stories, and dreams of a better world.

Future steps

We look forward to meeting our fellow Rotarians in May 2026 knowing every step we take together lead us toward a more just, friendly, and peaceful world.