The City in Vigil
Explore cities that welcome vigils, creating spaces of inclusion and hope.
The history of the Vigils
Learn more on the first Vigil and how they became an international event
Grarphic Kit
Download the free and customizable graphic kit, to promote local vigils
Interviews
A series. ofinterviews to pastors, experts, NGO leaders, courtesy of La Tenda di Gionata
Testimonies
Stories of faith and welcome that
illuminate the path towards more open and inclusive communities.
COMING SOON
The Vigils
Every May, churches and communities across the world pause together to pray in vigil.
The Vigils For the Overcoming of Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, are simple, but powerful gatherings of people who light a candle, say a prayer, and remember those hurt or lost due to homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. But they are also moments of shared joy, gratitude, and hope. They are not protests but acts of presence, of love, and invitations to believe that something better is possible.
The story behind the Vigils
The first vigil was held in 2007, after the suicide of Matteo, a sixteen-year-old boy from Turin who had endured daily bullying in silence. His death left behind a question: how could Church leaders remain silent? To break that silence, the Kairos group of LGBT Christians in Florence lit a candle. That simple act began a movement. In that first year, 14 cities held vigils. Over time, the tradition has grown into a network of communities praying and remembering together in dozens of cities across Italy and abroad.
To Vigil
To vigil is to resist erasure. It means refusing indifference, affirming the dignity of those who suffer violence or exclusion because of who they are. It is a way to say: we are still here. We remember. We hope. And we commit ourselves to a faith that includes.
GNRC and The Vigils
The Global Network of Rainbow Catholics (GNRC) officially joined forces with La Tenda di Gionata to promote the Vigils internationally. It is a new chapter: more connections, more languages, and a shared commitment to build bridges between LGBT+ people of faith and Christian communities worldwide.
La Tenda di Gionata and The Vigils
Since 2007, the association La Tenda di Gionata has supported the Vigils in Italy by connecting local groups, sharing resources, offering logistical guidance, and helping the movement grow. It has created liturgical booklets, published testimonies, and coordinated communication between communities. Thanks to this ongoing effort, the Vigils have expanded, remained accessible, and welcomed people from diverse backgrounds and traditions.
Quick Links
Preparing for Summer School
Every year, La Tenda di Gionata produces a free graphic kit to support local vigils. These materials are curated by artist Alessandro Ludovico Previti and include posters, social media visuals, and templates that can be downloaded and adapted by anyone organising a vigil.
Quick Links
Graphic Kit
Every year, La Tenda di Gionata produces a free graphic kit to support local vigils. These materials are curated by artist Alessandro Ludovico Previti and include posters, social media visuals, and templates that can be downloaded and adapted by anyone organising a vigil.
Find your Vigil
Every May, cities across Italy and beyond join in prayer.
To see the list or to
signal a new vigil
visit
www.gionata.org/en/inveglia/dove
or write to: progetti@gionata.org
From our blogs
Prayer Vigils in Malta
Each year in May, communities across the world gather for the Ecumenical Prayer Vigils to Overcome Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. These vigils form a shared spiritual movement grounded in remembrance, prayer, and hope. They are not tied to one name or...