Everything was done with care, dignity and technology: This is how the showers for the “homeless pilgrims” are

VATICAN, aleteia.org. Last Friday, the Office of Papal Charities announced that the installation of the new showers under the Bernini Colonnade was finished. The project of expanding this service to Rome’s homeless population through parishes that joined the initiative was completed in those already existing dining halls where there is a larger concentration of homeless people.

The work was planned, directed and carried out by technicians of the Governatorato of Vatican City. Three showers were installed and a small space was organized for barbershops, a renovation of an area in existing bathrooms on the right side of the Colonnade.

Everything was carried out with great seriousness and dignity, and with the implementation of modern techniques. Each washbasin has hot water, a soap dispenser, and a stream of hot air for hand drying with everything activated by photocell. A special resin used to plaster the walls will ensure maximum hygiene.

Our homeless pilgrims

The showers will be available daily with the exception of Wednesdays for the General Audience or when there are large celebrations at Saint Peter’s Square or in the Basilica.

On Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the volunteers of the UNITALSI – sector of Rome will be in charge of the service.

The barbershop will be available on Mondays, from 9:00 – 3:00.

The service will be provided by different volunteer barbers and by students in their last year of barber school of Rome.

“The Office of Papal Charities’ announcement stated: “Our homeless pilgrims will receive clean underwear and a kit with: a towel, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, razor and shaving cream everything according to each one’s personal needs.”

Different businesses and individual donors will donate these personal care items free of charge. With money that is derived from the Apostolic Blessings, the Office of Papal Charities will acquire any supplies that are lacking according to the need.

On some days of the week, different volunteers, beginning with the Sisters of Charity, the Albertine Sisters, who take care of the Swiss Guard, the Vincentians and many other volunteers who have offered their help will welcome the poor.

The Vatican Television Center and the Photography Service of the L’Osservatore Romano took photos of the new facility.

The Office of Papal Charities is grateful to all the parishes that participated in the project, especially to all those who contributed toward the installation of the showers under the Colonnade, and all those who in some way contributed to the project for the poor.

Source: Aleteia.org

Original: Spanish. Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio, USA