As someone who has had a longstanding, yet unexplainable fascination with the mafia, my eyes have been opened to a new reality. The Godfather movies and tales of New York crime boss like John Gotti have peaked my interest for years. While here in Naples, a city controlled by the real mafia, I have seen how oppressive the mafia is and how it has sucked the hope out of Neapolitan citizens and especially the youth. Too often, I've heard that the mafia has a stronghold on the community and future prospects are limited because of the grip the mafia has on business, government and society at large. I can only pray that God will work on the hearts of those associated with the mafia and that He will provide a semblance of hope for the citizens of Naples.
- Wes