As part of the upcoming Jubilee, set to be celebrated in Rome in 2025, the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa of Calcutta will establish a new shelter in the Italian capital. Named "Casa Serena," it aims to provide accommodation for individuals in need who wish to take part in this event.
The Jubilee of 2025 in Rome, themed "Pilgrims of Hope," will be a momentous occasion, drawing millions of pilgrims to the Eternal City. The preceding year, 2024, will be dedicated to prayer as per Pope Francis' request. The Church embarks on the journey towards the Jubilee with the intention of highlighting the significance of personal and communal prayer.
Mauro Guadagnoli, the architect behind the shelter, a 70-year-old, revealed in an interview with ACI Prensa that the construction site, located on Via Prenestina, was generously donated by a benefactor.
"As the Jubilee approaches, we, together with the missionary brothers, have decided to utilize this new space in the southern region of Rome, near the airport, as a shelter for the impoverished who lack the means to participate in the Jubilee event desired by Pope Francis," he explained. With this purpose in mind, he designed the center by repurposing an existing building, expanding its capacity, and creating a dedicated space suitable for open-air Masses.
Moreover, the site also encompasses "a small convent, a church, and a school for the members of the congregation."
"All of this has been the fruit of not only my labor but also the collective effort of those who continuously support the congregation," he emphasized. The Italian architect specified that it was Monsignor Rino Fisichella, the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for the New Evangelization, who "submitted a request to the Vatican to include this project in the plans for Jubilee 2025."
"Casa Serena" will provide shelter for individuals without financial means who are unable to cover the expenses of a stay in Rome. According to Guadagnoli, guests "must be willing to share accommodations with others as they seek recovery from their circumstances, supported by the power of prayer."
He also highlighted that Pope Francis himself has labeled this initiative as the "Jubilee of the Poor."
This article was originally published on ACI Prensa.
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú is a graduate in Journalism and Advertising from CEU San Pablo University in Madrid, with studies at LUMSA in Rome. Former Vatican correspondent for ACI Prensa and EWTN. Now Europe correspondent based in Madrid, covering major Catholic events and Church affairs.
