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Italy: When society “discards” people
Those living on the streets at the fringe of a rich western society are not rebels who have made a non-conformist choice. A society that ruthlessly pressures people into competing with each other inevitably produces “refuse” which gets put out on the sidewalk. Homelessness obviously means that there is not enough work or housing, but it is also evidence of deep existential malaise and suffering. The homeless “write large” the human social problems which are of concern to everyone, including the young. Ever since the end of World War II, the San Marcellino Association, sponsored and directed by the Jesuits, has been accompanying the neediest in inner-city Genoa, and trying to learn from them. Twenty full-time workers and 400 volunteers staff a series of small projects designed to help homeless people recover their full social entitlements. Rejecting the model of a bowl of soup, a dry place to sleep, and basta! they try to help homeless people regain autonomy and dignity. The process starts with listening to each person and seeking opportunities for struggling against alcoholism and for re-learning how to work, to take interest in life and to celebrate. Everyone’s progress is monitored, respectful of personalities and tolerant of the inevitable crises and set-backs. With time, trust builds up. The workers and volunteers need to keep questioning their own experience, and they change too, not just their “guests”. Young Italian Jesuits help out at San Marcellino during their noviciate. With support from the European Union, San Marcellino is co-operating with similar projects in other countries. See www.sanmarcellino.ge.it [HL10405]
Director: Alberto Remondini SJ
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