Abstract

In this essay, the author reminds the beginning of his activities as a priest, in Calabria, in the Seventies, after his theological studies at the seminary of Brescia. After moving to the South, with the support of institutions and local associations, Panizza started a process of social integration for young Calabrians affected by disabilities, especially in small towns. From this first experience, he succeeded in giving life to the Community "Progetto Sud", a self-managed project, rooted in the context of Calabria and headquartered in the city of Lamezia Terme, with the aim of "making community", among people with disabilities and people without disabilities, against social exclusion.