Care for the destitute, suffering poor has engaged the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in Italy for 70 years. The Sisters’ program in Messina provides a safe space for adolescents and young people from low-income families who lack opportunities and encourages a more just society that is inclusive of all. In Frascati, the Sisters assist the imprisoned and the mentally ill in their difficult and lonely rehabilitation. In Padua, immigrant victims of human trafficking find a safe haven and essential professional services as they begin their journey towards freedom and independence. Homeless men and women in Rome enjoy socialization. Adolescents, university students, and families benefit from counseling and retreats.
Mosaico Project The Mosaico Project is an after school program which began in March 2018 in Messina for middle and high school students living in disadvantaged urban areas.
FRASCATI Rebibbia Women’s Prison Project Lonely women incarcerated at the Rebibbia Prison welcome moral and spiritual counsel and personal support from the Sisters. Many of the 100 inmates have no family or friends. The Sisters help bolster their self-esteem and aid in their rehabilitation.
PADUA Project Miriam Immigrant victims of human trafficking find compassionate care and protection from forced prostitution at Project Miriam. The Sisters address the women’s immediate needs for food, medical care, professional legal and domicile counsel. They help provide access to job training, and they provide emotional and spiritual guidance. An emergency shelter and two apartments are available for women and their families as they pursue self-sufficiency and freedom.
ROME Sunrays Homeless men and women enjoy camaraderie and support at a center in Rome. There is a soup kitchen, laundry, free internet for job searches, a library, movies and a discussion circle staffed by a volunteer professional psychologist.
ROME & PADUA Women’s Pastoral Work Initiatives of spirituality, prayer, meditation, study and discuss the Word of God, self-knowledge and the management of interpersonal relationships for women 30-55 years of age. FRASCATI & ROME Youth Ministry at Casetta Nova Young women, aged 18-22 years, have time for prayer, meditation, listening and discussing the Word of God while advancing self-knowledge, personal talents, healing wounds, managing interpersonal relationships and developing their futures.