A group of Senior 5 students from St Paul’s Missionary College, accompanied by MSSP priests, recently spent five days in Rome volunteering with some of the city’s homeless communities. Held over the mid-term holidays, the trip is a result of a collaborative initiative between students from St Paul’s Missionary College together with students from the Archbishop’s Minor Seminary. Both schools took the Gospel’s message to heart, embodying the words, “Just as you did to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
The students’ experience was supported by Caritas Rome, an organisation committed to addressing poverty and homelessness across Rome. Caritas operates around 50 centers citywide, two of which became focal points for the students’ experience. At the “Don Luigi Di Liegro” soup kitchen near Termini Station, the team helped serve meals to more than 400 people each evening, while at the “Mensa Giovanni Paolo II” in Colle Oppio, they lent a helping hand during the morning canteen, which provides meals to a similar number each day.
These canteens, set-up to address the immediate need for food, are built on a philosophy that upholds the value and dignity of each individual. Meals are an opportunity to engage with guests in a spirit of fraternity, fostering a welcoming environment while meeting a person’s basic needs. The students took an active role in facilitating the service— distributing food, cleaning trays, clearing tables, and engaging with guests to hear their personal stories. These interactions offered a strong reminder of the privileges many take for granted and the joy of compassionate service. This Rome initiative is part of the wider commitment, of St Paul’s Missionary College that is rooted in the values of the Missionary Society of St Paul, to uphold human dignity. The value of each person is at the heart of the ethos of our College.
In addition to their volunteering commitments, the students had the chance to explore some of Rome’s historic landmarks, including the Vatican, where they celebrated Mass together. The programme also allowed for moments of fellowship between all the students from both schools, providing a joyful opportunity to connect and reflect together.
The experience was a profound lesson of faith in action. Through their service, the students aimed to live out their mission to offer hope and support to those in need, leaving a lasting impact on all who participated in this meaningful journey.