(ZENIT News / Rome, 12.21.2023).- On the afternoon of Thursday, December 21, 2023, shortly before 4:30 p.m., Pope Francis visited the Pastoral Center Santa Gianna Beretta Molla, located at Via Amedeo Bocchi 169, in the parish of San Giorgio, Acilia Sud. There, he met with the community of the Sons of Charity (Cano-sians), who are entrusted with both the parish and the pastoral center; the priests of the XXVII prefecture; and the pastors of the southern sector of the Diocese of Rome. In total, around thirty priests were present. The Pope was welcomed by the bishop of the southern sector, Monsignor Dario Gervasi, the parish priest of San Giorgio, Father Antonio Romeo Vettorato, and the prefect, Father Angelo Compagnoni, parish priest of San Timoteo.
The meeting between the Bishop of Rome and his priests was described as «beautiful and also moving» by Monsignor Gervasi. «The dialogue lasted about two hours,» the prelate recounted, «after speaking with the priests, Pope Francis greeted the volunteers of the center. There was a very cordial, human, and affectionate atmosphere. Even the conversation with the priests was cordial and affectionate; we felt like children around their father and encouraged by him. There was room for questions, and we left content.» Among the topics discussed, the bishop continued, were «our experience as priests, hospitality, closeness to the people, synodality, and the synodal process, which is the Church’s path to the future.»
The structure where the meeting took place is a subsidiary place of worship for the parish of San Giorgio, hosting charitable and solidarity activities. It was initiated by Sister Virginia, a Canossian nun and sister of Santa Gianna Beretta Molla, who worked in the Acilia parish. «In the afternoon, a group of volunteers visits the local bakeries, which provide us with unsold bread and pizza. The next morning, we distribute what we have collected among those in need. Among the various activities we carry out, the ‘Project Mothers’ holds a central place, assisting mothers and children from conception to age 3. Currently, about a hundred mothers with economic difficulties, mostly single and mostly foreigners, are supported. Twice a week, they can collect food, clothing, essential items, and we also check if they need assistance for specialized or other visits.»
As a support to the «Project Mothers,» the «Mothers’ Space» was established this year, where volunteers help various women who come to the center to connect and get to know each other. Furthermore, in the building dedicated to Santa Gianna Beretta Molla, there is «the parish Caritas with its listening center, reception, and distribution of food packages, assisting about 300 families,» the parish priest recalls. «And the ‘clothing boutique,’ through which we collect, wash, repair, and make clothing available to those in need, thanks to a group of volunteers.»
