Arc Rome

I believe that in our crazy world with so much pain, rivalry, hatred, violence, injustice and pressure around, there are poor, the rejected and marginalized people who can become the source of life and salvation for us and for the whole world. And I hope that each of you could someday experience the incredible gift of friendship … Read more

“In Napoli ?!” Franca, Silva’s Italian language teacher at the Ark in Rome has marveled grimacing. “Why did you want to go there? You should take her at least to Capri for a Valentine’s day… “ Well, Naples might not be as exotic as some Italian islands, but it’s still romantic. Moreover, the Italians, for that matter are way more … Read more

There’s a difference between waking up in the morning by the sounds of boys and girls in the house, or when an earthquake throws you out of bed. Italy was shaken We did not feel the first earthquake, which occurred a week ago, as we were in the chapel at Mass at the time. However, we … Read more

Jean Vanier, founder of the Ark community, wrote in his book Becoming Human: If you want to discover the beauty of another man, we must first discover his value by giving him enough time, attention and affection. To love means not only do something for him, but also help him to recognize his uniqueness, to … Read more

Our stay in the community ‘Il Chicco’ is ending, we are now heading to Turin in Cottolengo hospital. Although I have written few recent articles from the Ark community, in fact I never introduced the people we were living with. Well, now that we know them better, we can write a bit more about them. In the creation of this … Read more

The question of setting the limits in the relationship with other people is an important issue. Setting boundaries to others may not be easy, but it is necessary for healthy relationships. When relationships evolve Parents meet this challenge very early, assistants and volunteers as soon as they enter the Ark community and start developing and consolidating relationships … Read more

Earlier this week the Ark community had a visit of our friends Katarina and Matjaž with their son Simon. They were accommodated right inside the Ark community in a separate guest house ‘Il Chicco’, where external visitors too can stay at a very affordable price. They were spending the most part of the day in the center … Read more

You may imagine that the word ‘Papa Francesco’ was resonating in our Ark community for quite some time after the unexpected visit by the pope last week. Here you can read more about this visit. As said before, the Pope has come completely unannounced to visit us, even the official media were not informed in advance. I heard that some … Read more

None of us who woke up in Chicco Ark community expected to shake hands and talk with Pope Francis later that afternoon. Like a lightning from clear skies The big news came suddenly, only a few hours before the visit. Such sudden visits are not rare for Pope Francis, as he likes to avoid the … Read more

In the previous two contributions I wrote about the beginnings of Ark (here) and about the importance of celebrations (here), which are a vital part of community life. This time, I will briefly describe what are our responsibilities and what do the volunteers and assistants do at the Ark. Jean Vanier, founder of  the Ark, once wrote: … Read more

We arrived to the Ark at the day of the celebration. Not because of our arrival, but because of Daniele’s birthday. A place to celebrate Much is celebrated at the Ark. In fact, the celebration has traditionally been one of the most important elements of each Ark community. Here is what the Ark’s founder Jean Vanier … Read more

Jean Vanier, an eminent doctor of philosophy and professor at the University of Toronto, was shocked almost 53 years ago, when he visited the facility where people with mental disabilities were accommodated in Saint-Jean-les-Deux-Jumeaux, southern part of Paris. Starved of love The conditions in which these people lived, were far from the dignity that belongs to every … Read more