There House of Charity It's a diocesan organisation that perhaps not everyone in Pavia knows about, precisely because it primarily serves those who are not Pavia natives. It's a facility dedicated to hosting relatives of the sick and the patients themselves who come to Pavia from all over Italy, as well as abroad, to be treated in Pavia's hospitals. It's run by a priest, Don Mauro Astroni, who, along with three nuns and several volunteers, takes care of the guests during their stay. We met Don Mauro on the afternoon of Saturday, February 8th, when we visited the facility, located on Via Pedotti, a short walk from the Basilica of San Michele. Don Mauro showed us the various rooms of the home and described how he serves this organisation: a constant and familiar presence, who knows how to be close to every person who knocks on the door. House of Charity. There are many small and large gestures of care extended to guests, such as keeping the reception open continuously from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the invitation to participate in the rosary for the sick, recited together in the evening, and the convivial dinner prepared daily by Don Mauro himself. The facility itself is very welcoming, well-maintained, and kept in order throughout, especially the garden, an ideal place for relaxation and gathering on nice days. A small group of university students has also spontaneously formed, meeting periodically for moments of fellowship and prayer. Overall, we found the House of Charity an organisation that truly knows how to become a family for those who go through periods of suffering and illness of varying lengths, and above all are forced to do so far from home.
On Sunday, February 9th, we visited the parish of San Leonardo, meeting the children and young people in Christian initiation with their catechists and celebrating the Eucharist with the entire community.
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