Inauguration of the “House for Men” in Catania – Named for Saint Vincent de Paul
This work enters fully within the scope of the Vincentian project, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the birth of the Vincentian Charism of support and service to the poorest.
The ceremony was attended by some institutional authorities, among whom the Undersecretary Giuseppe Castiglione and the Advisers Giuseppe Barretta and Angelo Villari, who have been asked to lend also two premises near the new structure for its use.
The men who will be guests of this new house were excited and proud for the great work developed and the possibility that has been offered them. Also present at the opening were more than 100 volunteers and people close to the project. Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM, Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, inaugurated the structure, cutting the ribbon and serving as spokesperson for the works of the Vincentian Mission in Catania and the world.
Father Mario Sirica, who is responsible, among other things, for the “Good Samaritan Inn,” a structure that already houses various people in difficulty, will also be in charge of running the new welcome house for men, which will host some 25 homeless men.
The house is located in Via Sant’Agostino, in the heart of the historical center of Catania, inside a premises lent for free use by the Provincial Health Authority. The work departs from the traditional models of a service like this, which only offer a dormitory for lodging. The project aims to become a true “laboratory” of community life. In fact, the guests will enjoy individual follow-up in order to overcome difficulties and be able to reintegrate socially. One of the projects is the development of a daily reception center that will accommodate even the production of the street magazine, “TeleStrada Press,” which is a work rehabilitation project for people experiencing homelessness or social disadvantage.
By: Davide Di Bernardo, JMV
