Papal Almoner: Vatican
services for the poor continue despite coronavirus
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| Nuns and volunteers prepare food to distribute to the poor |
The Vatican continues to offer shower facilities, sleeping
quarters, and food assistance to the poor and homeless who often sleep rough
around St. Peter’s Square.
By Devin Watkins
“Don’t ignore the poor Lazarus who knocks at your door.”
Cardinal Konrad Krajewski launched this appeal to those who
encounter a homeless person.
The Almoner of the Office of Papal Charities said the
Vatican continues to heed the cry of the poor despite the coronavirus outbreak.
“Though we maintain a safe physical distance, put on gloves,
and avoid assemblies, we can still help those who are right beside us,” he
said.
Critical moment of need
Cardinal Krajewski said this is a critical moment to help
the poor.
In more normal times, homeless people can use the restrooms
of cafes and restaurants, but now most are closed. “So we need to keep our
shower facilities and restrooms open.”
The same goes for food assistance, he said. With restaurants
closed, a charitable person is unable to offer someone a croissant or a
cappuccino so they need somewhere to find food.
Helping those near the Vatican
The Papal Almoner said his office is continuing to offer the
same services as before.
“Our volunteers keep the same schedules, we are still
distributing food at Rome’s train stations, and the shower facilities under the
Colonnade around St. Peter’s Square are open. We even give out sandwiches and
water there.”
Cardinal Krajewski said the Missionaries of Charity at the
Gift of Mary House are handing out around 120 sack dinners every evening.
He added that the newly-opened “Palace for the Poor” still
offers a warm bed and breakfast for those who come calling.
Knock fearlessly on church doors
The Cardinal had one more word of advice for the poor in
Rome and throughout the world who find themselves in need and without a place
to go in these difficult times of social isolation.
“I invite the poor to knock fearlessly on the door of
parishes and churches,” Cardinal Krajewski said, “because the Christian spirit
teaches us that we must open to those who knock.”
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