On Wednesday, March 21, 2018, the “Dads’ House” was inaugurated. It is located on the premises of the former friary of Santa Dorotea in the Trastevere section of Rome.
The one-time home of the friars is now a hospitality facility with seven rooms, fifteen beds and related services. Accommodations are made available, free of charge, to the fathers of the children with serious clinical problems who have been admitted to Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome. This initiative tries to meet the needs of parents who are staying at the hospital with their children, but who, due to the long duration of their child’s hospitalization, cannot afford the housing expenses involved.
This effort tries to respond to those facing economic difficulty. It is part of the charitable and beneficial activities of the Italian Province of St. Francis of Assisi (Central Italy), in collaboration with Bambino Gesù Hospital; the parish of Santa Dorotea; the San Giacomo alla Lungara friary community; and the Regina Coeli Volunteer Center (Vo.Re.Co. Center), which generously provides hospitality services, solidarity and leadership.
The “Dads’ House” was officially opened by the President of Bambino Gesù Hospital, Dr. Mariella ENOC, and the Minister Provincial, Friar Franco BUONAMANO. Others present included Friar Renzo DEGNI, the guardian of the San Giacomo friary, along with nine friars from his community; Friar Umberto FANFARILLO, the Pastor of Santa Dorotea; Friar Vittorio TRANI, leader of the Vo.Re.Co Center; and many benefactors.
The inauguration took place after a break-in period which began last September. Since then, 120 fathers have already been hosted. One came from as far away as Afghanistan, but others have come from Greece, Libya, Albania and Southern Italy.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO, San Giacomo Community
