Sisters and Associates of the Franciscan of the Poor are assisting poor and homeless people by providing a “Network for Meals on the Streets.” The project involves parishes, associations and volunteers in the distribution of hot meals provided at several points of the city, particularly railway stations. Sr. Giuliana and Calogero, a Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Associate, have been helping among those helping to allocate meals near the Ostiense Station in Rome. They give hot meals, sandwiches, milk and tea to migrants, refugees and also many Italians who are living on the streets. Calogero’s wife, Prisca, another Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Associate, is also indirectly involved in this service to the poor. The aim of this service is to lend a hand to those in need, in the knowledge that giving a part – also small – of our time and goods can make a difference to those who need and receive them. What follows is their thoughts about this service:
Sr. Giuliana: “I felt touched by God and by a need to leave my comfort zone and “search for, look at and meet” needy people since, in them, we can see Christ. I found an answer in the tangible, to the words of the Bible: ‘I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was a stranger, I was sick…,’ and this answer demanded that I leave my comfort zone. Almost ten years ago, together with Calogero, I began to collaborate with this service dedicated to those who are living on the streets, sometimes wasting their lives and losing their hope. In this way, we both follow in the steps of St. Francis and Mother Frances; they went searched for the poor in order to give them material goods, but also to provide the message of Salvation and Healing. The word of God reminds us that, though light illuminates thanks to oil, it also needs oxygen. For us it is the same thing: if we stay inside our safety zones, we cannot spread the light. Searching is an attitude of the heart which helps us go outside the box, outside our routine, and thus to find time and willingness. Over the years, our help sometimes felt insignificant to us, and many times we felt the rage and frustration of the people we met. But, then, we also realized that our help was a source of resurrection, of relationship, and sometimes it brought resolution of at least one problem for the people we met. And that sometimes happened because we made a sacrifice: we didn’t want to go out to listen to the many problems of other people. But seeing God in them opens new horizons. Because we were feeling uncomfortable and yet still worked to bring the Word of Salvation which heals and gives strength again”.
Calogero: “The experiences we have are always different. It is not easy to build relationship with the people: some of the people are drunk, some have language problems, and some think you are we are paid to be there. That’s why every “thank you” received gives a reason to go on – to continue to offer help. This service not only involves me, but also my entire family. The most important decision you must make is, ‘Are we ready to give part of your time to other people?’ Our experience, as family, has been positive and meaningful. The time we dedicated to volunteering was never wasted time. It was an occasion to grow as a family, to cultivate the values we believe in together – the values we are trying to live in our daily life. Often our home is full of things because we have become a place of collection and allocation of food: pasta, tomatoes, legumes and clothes. Prisca can do this work perfectly: she identifies the needs of the people we meet and is able to match “demand with supply.”
Prisca: “The time Calogero gives to Ostiense Station is born from our openness to our neighbor -- and we realized that it has become a rich resource for our life as a couple. First of all, because it is a reason to dialog together, and when Calogero comes home after volunteering we talk about it. Then, because this, we have developed a new and attentive view to those who lives beside us, to the people we meet every day.
I like the word ‘to look at’…and also Pope Francis used it several times, inviting us to look at our neighbor, especially those in need. After the service, Calogero brings home packets of food which they didn’t use at the Station, and I use them to help other needy people. This is how I met Joseph, Deborah, Fidelis and Gioia who stand outside the entrance of the supermarket to help customers and to earn some money. I give them packets of foods and clothes which we collect at home. I came to know Gioia in particular, who came from Nigeria, is married and with 4 wonderful children. They live in a council house in our neighborhood. I have her phone number, and when I have a packet I call her. I asked her about her situation and that of her family, and if they need anything. She certainly did! In recent days we gave her two beds and mattresses for her younger children. We have met all her family – Gioia calls me “mom” – and we have come to be involved in other ways. For example, we collected some money to buy them a stove, and clothes for all her family. I feel happy when I can help -- and I truly see Jesus in my daily life. Now Calogero and I are also volunteering in a foster home that hosts mothers and children who are going through hard times. This is a service that, once more, gives us another view of those who need help. Moreover, the affection we develop by working together to do good unites us to each other even more.”
“The Lord placed a great love towards our neighbor in my heart. I recognized my divine Lord in the poor and suffering as clearly as if I had seen him in them with my bodily eyes. For that reason, my every thought and wish were directed towards loving and reviving him in the poor and suffering”.
Mother Francesca Schervier
Founder of Franciscan Sisters of the Poor
Published November 05, 2018
