MARIO
A MEAL WITH THE FRIARS CHANGED HIS LIFE
For homeless and refugee families even a offered meal can be an opportunity for finding a future. The interview below is the story of Mario; the example of a new life started at a family table.
You can help those who have nothing to eat to find their way. Click the button below and donate a meal to people in need.
My name is Mario, I am 58 years old and I come from Bari, southern Italy. I was an insurance agent for thirty years. Unfortunately, ten years ago, due to the lost of my work and some family troubles, I became a street person. I was wandering many centres for homeless, each for short periods. Four years ago, Franciscan friars of the Convent of San Francesco a Ripa gave me a peaceful sleep. I received not only meal and a bed. I was involved in daily services like in a family. Today I am active in voluntary service in the Church: I give information to visitors and pilgrims and I'm available to tell them something about this beautful place and of my story. I feel I restored my life.
Laurentiu
FROM THE STREET TO A JOB AND THE WARMTH OF A FAMILY HOME WITH THE FRIARS
Family troubles are often related with poverty for young man like Laurentiu, guest of franciscan friars in the convent of S.Francesco a Ripa in Rome.
My name is Laurentiu, I am 33 years old and I originally come from Romania. I grew up in a childhood institute and I met for the first time my parents when I was 19 years old. They convinced me to move to Italy with the promise of a job. Italy was a differnet place than expectied. My parents lived in a rom camp in the suburb in Rome and they forced me begging money on the street.
That's why I run away from my family. I didn't want this life anymore.
At the beginning I found refuge in an abandoned van and I lived begging in front of a Church. Voluntees of a the parish of magliana area took me to the Franciscan friars of the Convent of San Francesco a Ripa, where I live since two years.
I had no documents and no chance to find a real job. I studied italian and now I'm proud to start soon a trainee program as shopping assistant for technologic devices.
My dream is to work in this sector that I love very much.
Now I feel the warm of the friars house, like in a family.
People like Laurentiu needs your support for building a future. With your help friars work to provide them a safe place, for short or long periods of time, to gain indipendence and a better life.
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