The first ten years of the presence of the Servants of Charity in Romania: charitable achievements also blessed by vocations
by Josif Barticel
«D"Ten years of mission, hope, and profound trust in God's plan": this is how we can summarize the journey of the Servants of Charity in Romania, which began in 2016 and has grown step by step, thanks to Divine Providence, which has inspired the Guanellian charism and inspired the generosity of so many. This anniversary is not only a symbolic occasion, but also an opportunity to look with gratitude at what has been achieved so far and to dream of new avenues of service to the most vulnerable.
Over the past ten years, the Servants of Charity's presence in Romania has developed through numerous social, educational, and pastoral projects, always with the goal of placing human dignity at the center. From the beginning, the mission has sought to respond to the concrete needs of the most vulnerable: the poor, the elderly, people with disabilities, young people in difficulty, and families affected by insecurity. Among the most significant initiatives is the "Social Shower" (Duș social) project, created to provide personal hygiene assistance to the homeless or those experiencing severe poverty. This service not only provides those who seek it with material assistance, but is also, above all, a place of welcome, listening, and respect. Through small daily gestures, the Servants of Charity of the Opera Don Guanella, with the collaboration of numerous volunteers, seek to restore hope and dignity to those who feel invisible in the eyes of society.
Another pillar of the Guanellian mission in Romania has been attention to people with disabilities. The Servants of Charity currently manage two centers dedicated to assisting and supporting those with special needs. The first is located in Iași, the city that hosts the motherhouse of the Guanellian Men's Society in Romania. Here, not only are people with disabilities welcomed and supported, but there is also a formation house for young men wishing to embark on the path to the priesthood and religious life.
The formation of young people represents one of the greatest hopes for the future of the Guanellian mission in the country. Currently, there are two theology students in Rome, a young man studying philosophy, and four others undergoing a vocational discernment process. These numbers may be cold, but they speak to a living reality, capable of inspiring new vocations and instilling in younger generations the desire to dedicate their lives to serving God and the poorest.
Alongside the reality of Iași, another important presence is found in Chitila. It is a city of approximately 15.000 inhabitants, located in the Ilfov district, very close to Bucharest, almost a satellite city of the capital. Here, the Servants of Charity run a house, opened by the Missionary Sisters of Charity of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, dedicated to people with special needs. Here too, the work the Guanellians carry out daily is based on attentiveness, care, and human and spiritual support. Each person is welcomed as a unique gift, in accordance with the teachings of Saint Luigi Guanella, who saw the very face of Christ in the most vulnerable.
But in addition to these social and educational works, the religious also serve as chaplains for the Guanellian Sisters in Romania, thus strengthening collaboration between the various groups of the Guanellian Family. This spiritual and pastoral communion contributes to a stronger and more effective witness of charity in Romania.
Looking back over these ten years, it's clear that every step has been accompanied by trust in Divine Providence. There have been challenging times: financial problems, organizational challenges, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the many daily needs. However, it is precisely through these trials that our conviction has been strengthened that God continues to act through people's generosity, humble service, and closeness to the poorest.
The tenth anniversary is not intended to be a point of arrival, but a new beginning. The Servants of Charity wish to continue their mission in Romania with the same enthusiasm as their first days, carrying forward the charism of Saint Aloysius Guanella through concrete works of love and solidarity. After ten years, the dream continues: to build welcoming communities, support those in need, and testify that Christian hope can still transform the lives of individuals and society.