During this time when many are out of work and budgets are getting tighter, charitable acts are increasing as well.
Such is the case with San Giuseppe Market in Rome. It started in March to cater for the most needy in the community. Their motto is “We can't stop, when there are poor to welcome.”
ANGELA
Volunteer
“It's important people don't feel alone. It's a difficult moment for everyone. I think it is the ultimate challenge for those already suffering for other reasons. Feeling the closeness of others is fundamental, because you feel encouraged to move forward. Hope is part of being Christian.”
All items are donated and picked up from grocery stores by young volunteers each night. Then, they are brought to the parish, organized according to object and distributed three times a week.
Parish pastor, Fr. Bogoni, says the charity work helps in another area: listening.
FR. WLADIMIRO BOGONI
Rector, San Giuseppe Trionfale
Listening is important. Even if it's annoying and tiresome, even when you can't understand who is sincere and who is taking advantage of the system. Regardless, we must be willing to take that risk.
In their first two weeks since opening, they helped 120 families. The volunteers also noticed trends in who was coming to the food shelter.
ANGELA
Volunteer
“There are many men. Many men who come to ask for help. This is an important statistic to consider. Some have lost their jobs, others are living in a situation of separation, and they can't make it to the end of the month, because they have to provide for their children. It is difficult, but they are asking for help. There are so many sad stories.”
FR. WLADIMIRO BOGONI
Rector, San Giuseppe Trionfale
“A young professional, whom I have known for a short time, called me. He said, 'I'm out of money, I'm out of a job and I can't eat. So I invited him to come and get the food pack. We are here to help. So poverty is not only not having a house. There are many stories that are unimaginable.”
While they don't know how long the crisis will last, the volunteers insist they will remain open as long as possible. It's their way to give back and care for their neighbor, especially in life's most difficult moments.
Melissa Butz
