The availability and constant presence of the Delegation of Rome and Vatican City of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order is once again demonstrated in the service offered at the soup kitchen at the Marian Academy near Via Merulana in Rome, managed by the Franciscan Friars Minor. The rotation of the team of knights, postulants and friends of the Delegation demonstrates the interest and willingness to serve those most in need with the spirit that distinguishes the Constantinian knight. All guests were welcomed and cared for as always and in about two hours 150 meals were offered. The knights not only promote spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian actions but are always present in the territory for social-charitable activities in accordance with Christian principles and the purposes of the Constantinian Order. The canteen service is a moment of great reflection where those who are busy serving work in silence, meditating and seeing the different guests who come and go. Sharing thoughts and feelings of some participants in the canteen service, we came to the conclusion that this constant commitment at the Marian Academy represents a path of human and spiritual growth.
On this day, the team that served to support the director of the soup kitchen, Fra Antonino Clemenza, OFM, coordinated by the Delegation’s Charitable Activities Representative, Prof. Eng. Luca Mazzola, Knight of Merit, was composed of Dr. Francesco Mauro, Knight of Merit, and Dr. Emanuele Placco, Knight of Office, supported by Dr. Matteo Luini, postulant and Prof. Maria Giovanna Frega.
The spirit that distinguishes the service offered at the soup kitchen is to support and welcome the “invisible” and the weakest, making the people who need help in achieving a dignified life feel like “brothers”. People of different nationalities, including Italians with different stories (elderly people, men who have lost their jobs, young people who cannot find work, etc.), come to the canteen of the Mariana Academy not only for a hot meal, but also and above all to be welcomed, loved, and listened to, to be able to share worries, desires and hopes. A very strong and solid bond has therefore been established between the knights and some guests, based precisely on the Christian charity of listening to others and putting oneself at the service of those in need.
