杏MAP导航 makes surprise “Mercy Friday” visits to Rome residences for the sick
By Seàn-Patrick Lovett
杏MAP导航 Francis began the tradition of making
On
CasAmica: caring for needy patients and their families
The 杏MAP导航 left the Vatican around 3.30pm accompanied by the President of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization, Archbishop Rino Fisichella. His first stop was the “CasAmica”, a non-profit organization that assists patients needing continuous hospital care, and their families, all of whom face severe economic difficulties. Most come from southern Italy, although the structure also houses patients and families from North Africa and Eastern Europe.
The first surprise visit
杏MAP导航 Francis himself rang the doorbell and was greeted with amazement by both the staff and guests, some of whom were in the kitchen and others in the games room. The 杏MAP导航 greeted them all, one by one, stopping to play with the children. He then listened to the stories of two young 13 and 11-year old boys who are suffering from cancer and spent time with the other patients and their families.
Il
Ponte e
l’Albero: caring for the intellectually challenged
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The second surprise visit
The 杏MAP导航 surprised the young people who were engaged in their afternoon recreational activities, and then sat down to speak and listen to them, answering their questions and hearing their stories.
Three of the boys had written to 杏MAP导航 Francis some months ago, asking him to visit them, telling him of the challenges they face, and describing the progress they are making thanks to the commitment of their doctors and health care operators.
Before leaving, the 杏MAP导航 gifted the community a 10kg (22lb) panettone, a typical Italian sweet bread loaf
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