Latest news with #CaritasAlbano
Herald Malaysia
a day ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Pope at lunch with the poor: We are God's most beautiful creation
Before sharing a lunch with the poor supported by Caritas Albano in the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas, the Pope explained that each one of us is made in the image of God, and that 'we can find God's presence in everyone.' Aug 18, 2025 Pope Leo XIV greets the guests before lunch at the Borgo Laudato Si', in the gardens of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo (@Vatican Media) By Alessandro Di BussoloAmid the beauty of nature and creation in the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas at Castel Gandolfo and beneath the large gazebo set up for the lunch with the poor, Pope Leo XIV, speaking off the cuff, invited everyone to reflect on the fact that 'the most beautiful of all creation is that which was made in God's image—that is, each one of us.' Each person, he said, reflects that image of God. It is essential that we always remember this truth: we can encounter God's presence in every individual. And so, even this afternoon's gathering for lunch—organized by the Borgo Laudato Si' and the Diocese of Albano Laziale—is an experience of communion, of fraternity, of being together with God. Breaking bread and sharing the Lord's gifts Looking out at the more than one hundred guests—poor and vulnerable people supported by the diocesan Caritas of Albano, including residents of shelters and group homes, the homeless, and those supported by listening centers—the Pope spoke of the deep meaning behind 'breaking bread together, a gesture that for us all is deeply significant: the act through which we recognize Jesus Christ present among us.' He continued: 'It is the Holy Mass—but it is also all of us gathered around the table, sharing the gifts the Lord has given us.' Before the meal, Pope Leo asked for God's blessing 'upon the gifts we are about to receive,' upon all 'who worked to prepare this meal for us,' and for those who made this celebration possible. He ended by praying: 'Help us, Lord, to always live united in Your love.' Cardinal Baggio: The Borgo Laudato Si' opens its doors to those in need In his remarks to the Pope and those present, Cardinal Fabio Baggio—Director General of the Laudato Si' Center for Advanced Formation and Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development—emphasized: 'Today we witness the fulfillment of Pope Francis' prophetic dream: the Borgo Laudato Si' is not merely a place, but a way of living the Gospel that first and foremost opens its doors to those in need—to the poor, to the excluded.' Before speeches or inaugurations, he said, comes fraternal sharing, because 'Gospel hospitality begins with the poor.' He also noted: 'There can be no authentic ecology without social justice. This is the great teaching of Laudato Si' and of the Church's Social Doctrine. Christian charity fulfills and surpasses justice, transforming it into tangible love.' Bishop Viva: The beauty of the Gospel made concrete Before the meal, Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano also offered words of welcome, presenting the guests to Pope Leo XIV: 'In the faces of those seated at these tables today, we see the beauty of the Gospel made concrete—living testimony of who we are as the Church of Albano.' He added: 'There is no 'us' and 'them,' no benefactors and beneficiaries: there are only people sharing bread—and with it, their stories, their struggles, and their hopes.'--Vatican News
Herald Malaysia
6 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Caritas Albano: Our poor will be the first to dine with the Pope
The distribution of Christmas gifts to the guests of Caritas Albano, with Bishop Viva (archival photo) By Daniele PicciniThe last shall be first. Those who live on the margins of society and existence will be invited, by the host himself, to come forward and take the best seats at the table. That's exactly what will happen on Sunday, 17 August, in Castel Gandolfo, where, after leading the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV will have lunch with guests of Caritas of the Diocese of Albano Laziale in the Borgo Laudato si'—a small corner of "earthly paradise" nestled in the gardens of the Pontifical Villas. Just like the guests at the banquet parables in the Gospel, these men and women are already searching for their finest clothes. Some of them—though not all, due to the small size of the church—will participate in the 9:30 a.m. Mass that the Pope will provide over at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano. 'The homeless people who will be dining with the Pope on Sunday in the Pontifical Villas have asked us for the chance to take a shower—and to receive clean, nice clothes to wear for the occasion,' explains Caritas director Alessio Rossi, who is now fully dedicated to organizing the lunch. In an interview with Vatican News' Daniele Piccini, the director gave insight into how this lunch came about and who these 100 men and women are that will share a meal with the Pope. Director, you recently visited Borgo Laudato si'. How is the preparation going? The guests will enter the Pontifical Villas through the gate on Piazza Pia in Albano. Inside the gardens, we're setting up an area with gazebos where the lunch will take place. The Pope and his guests will all sit at one long, shared table. Those dining with Pope Leo XIV are people from our shelters, soup kitchens, and listening centers run by Caritas Albano. A local catering company will handle the meal service. The appetizers and desserts will be prepared by pizzerias and cafés in Albano. What will the Pope and his guests eat? The menu has been set: garden vegetable lasagna, eggplant parmesan, roast veal with wild greens, fruit salad, and a traditional dessert from the region. How did the idea for this lunch with the Pope and Caritas guests come about? After Pope Leo XIV's first visit to Albano on 20 July, I expressed to our bishop, Monsignor Vincenzo Viva, my wish to have the Holy Father meet with the poor. The bishop asked the Pope, and told us that he was very pleased with the idea. The Holy See then confirmed the opportunity to celebrate Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda, with the liturgy animated by our guests, followed by lunch at Borgo Laudato si'. It was a great joy for us, and the entire Caritas team sprang into action enthusiastically. What are the main social challenges in your area? Our diocese is very large—it stretches from Ciampino to Nettuno. So we see various types of poverty. One of the biggest areas of concern is along the coastline: Anzio, Ardea, Tor San Lorenzo, Torvaianica. There are many homeless people, both Italian and foreign, who need showers, razors, laundry services, and overnight shelter. And in the areas closer to the Castelli Romani? There, we mainly encounter so-called "working poor" families—people who have jobs, but still can't make ends meet due to health or employment difficulties. These families often can't get through the month without help, so they receive food assistance from our Caritas markets—like the one in Genzano, for example. Can you share some statistics from your work in the area? In 2024, we assisted 49,500 individuals, including 3,580 families. We served more than 48,000 meals, and distributed over 4,480 breakfasts. In the first ten months of 2024, 13,000 people received non-food essentials and our Caritas medical clinic provided care to 473 people. Will there be a chance for guests to speak with the Pope and share their experiences during the lunch? Absolutely. We want to create a completely family-like atmosphere, in the true Caritas spirit. Everyone is emotional and excited. Many have said they'll be at Caritas Albano as early as 8:00 a.m. to prepare for Mass with the Pope. A number of homeless guests told us they are eager to talk with him—to share their life stories and hardships. They're ready—and very moved.--Vatican News
