Hospitality House for the Disabled Opens in Rome

Projected Subsidized by John Paul II

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share this Entry

ROME, JUNE 30, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Angelo Sodano inaugurated on behalf of the Pope the “John Paul II-Don Orione Work Hospitality House,” which offers accommodation for disabled pilgrims who travel to Rome.

It was renovated with donations collected during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.

The Don Orione Work explained that the Holy Father created a Vatican fund to cover the administrative costs of disabled pilgrims who stay in the Hospitality House.

Father (or Don) Orione used to say: “‘One is never mistaken in doing good’; therefore, we have the certainty that a charitable work in remembrance of the Great Jubilee is a good idea,” Cardinal Sodano said when inaugurating the premises on Sunday.

The Vatican secretary of state noted that the inauguration was taking place on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, patrons of Rome. “From heaven they will intercede for us all and help us follow this charitable way,” he added.

The center, located on Via della Camilluccia, has been renovated and enlarged. It has 155 beds in streamlined rooms with special bathrooms for the handicapped.

“What is new and beautiful is that there are places available for the disabled who come to Rome from dioceses around the world. They will be accommodated for free here, subsidized by the Holy Father,” the director general of the Little Work of Divine Providence, Father Roberto Simionato, explained on Vatican Radio. Don Orione founded the Little Work congregation.

“It is a great honor for us to be able to be charitable on behalf of the Pope,” he said. “It coincides with our charism. When he began the Work, Don Orione wanted charitable works to be a bridge between the people and the Pope, the people and the Church.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share this Entry

ZENIT Staff

Support ZENIT

If you liked this article, support ZENIT now with a donation