AT THE HEART OF ROME

By David Boisvert and Joanie St-Pierre
(passing by the General House in November)

The alarm clock rings and it is night. Two more hours before the first rays of the sun warm this illustrious city filled with glory and history. Our past glory and history have never been able to find a remedy for the poverty plaguing the vast cities of the world and still present at the center of our civilization. Unfortunately, Rome is no exception. The task of the sun is to heat the planet, while the mission of others is to warm the hearts of the neglected and to slowly rekindle their dwindling pride, under the elusive gaze of the tourists. For many years now, Sister Maria-Carla, Italian Daughter of Wisdom, receives more than 100 itinerants daily in her center: el Centro Docci.

As we turn the street corner, we can already see men getting into line, a queue that will gradually get longer as the dawn comes. A few of them already look impatient but they also understand that it would serve no purpose to stand in the way of this lady whose gaze imposes wisdom and respect. Closing the door behind her, she begins her work. It is necessary to prepare tea, Coca-Cola and a modest snack that the Center can afford. That will sustain the often empty stomachs until lunch which they can take at the nearby Caritas Center.

Two of the volunteers are already at work; a seamstress repairing clothes and a handyman helping with the organization and assuring security thanks to his imposing stature. The door is finally opened for the first five in line. They know the routine. They go down the stairs toward the basement and go toward the back where they will wash themselves under a hot shower. They are given cream and a razor and clean clothes in exchange for the dirty ones they have worn all week. Since the cool November nights forecast the coming of colder climate, a warm sweater and a vest is offered to them. After a sip of hot tea and a few biscuits, they are invited to return to the street. The queue is getting longer and 95 more homeless will be visiting this basement, gratuitously offered by the Carmelite Fathers. Some of them want to stay, but open-handed, yet with an iron hand, Sr. Maria Carla insists that they must leave.

At the rate of the comings and goings, the clothes have to be washed, repaired, ironed and folded. Tomorrow or next week, the place should not run out of soap, tea and clean clothes. There is practically no time left for scouting for subsidies and donations. Therefore, it is important to benefit fully from the collection and distribution of used garments. There is also the need to keep the accounts and to ensure that the center will be capable of opening its doors in the coming weeks. The future is a constant preoccupation for Sr. Maria Carla who is discreetly looking for a relief team.

In spite of the difficulties and of the time needed for this work, Sr. Maria Carla and her helpers continue to dedicate themselves in the hope of bettering the quality of life of the homeless. When Sister sees the guests taking time to look at themselves in the mirror, to comb their hair, to shave and to don clean clothes, she notices pride in their eyes. Then she understands the importance of pursuing her mission.

Today’s visitors have left. Behind them, Sr. Maria Carla and her team remain, hoping that one day, many homeless will not have to return for they will have abandoned the street for a better future. In the meantime, they can always count on the consuming generosity and the humble respect of the grand dame and her work that make the heart of Rome beat.

Thank you for having shared this beautiful moment with us.