An original story from PF Italy

On May 10, 2025, the Lorusso and Cutugno women’s prison in Turin hosted a one-of-a-kind event: Mother’s Day , organized by volunteers from Prison Fellowship Italia. The theme chosen for the day, “Mamma… un filo mi lega a te” (Mother… a thread binds me to you) , was inspired by Alberto Pellai’s book Io globolo, tu filo (I, a ball of yarn, you thread) , which poetically tells the story of the deep bond between mother and child.

An unexpected event that turns into an opportunity

The volunteers Alessia, Miriam and Veronica, together with the regional representative Antonella, had planned a series of activities to carry out with the inmates and their children. However, a mix-up prevented the children from entering, initially generating a climate of sadness and disappointment.

But it was precisely in that moment of difficulty that the strength and sensitivity of our volunteers emerged: they dried tears, welcomed emotions and remodeled the entire day with creativity and dedication.

An invisible thread that unites hearts

The participation of the inmates was enthusiastic: after an initial singing and games to break the ice, the mothers were invited to write a letter for their children. The words chosen, the thoughts shared, gave voice to a love that, despite the distance, remains alive and deep.

Only one mother was able to meet her two children: together, they decorated the t-shirt symbol of the party, donated by Prison Fellowship. And then there was Ahmed, a child of almost two years who lives with his mother who is detained in the ICAM connected to the prison. His presence was pure light: he played with everyone and became “everyone’s son”, cuddled by inmates, officers and volunteers.

Lunch, bread and Nutella

Lunch was simple and full of meaning: bread and Nutella to share, a gesture that has the flavor of childhood, of home, of tenderness. The day ended with hugs, smiles and words of gratitude from the inmates, who strongly felt the presence of someone willing to listen and walk with them.

When the unexpected becomes grace

What seemed like a “failed” day turned into one of the most authentic experiences of listening, welcoming and caring . It was the first time that Mother’s Day was celebrated in this way in the Turin prison, and if something did not go as planned, it was still the seed of a future to be built with greater awareness.

The volunteers are ready to start again. With a bigger heart and the desire to return to give smiles, relationships and a concrete presence to mothers who experience maternal affection inside the walls of a prison.