Pope Francis Visits Santa Marta Children’s Dispensary

Rome, 14 December 2013: Pope Francis visited on Saturday Pediatric Dispensary of Santa Marta in the Vatican. Sister Antonietta Collacchi, F.d.C, the head of the Dispensary welcomed the Holy Father on his arrival. ‘Your visit is a true gift for everyone, especially for our children’, she told Pope Francis. The charitable institution, since its establishment in 1922, has been entrusted to the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Later, at Paul VI Hall, the Pontiff met the children cared for at the Dispensary, along with their families and the volunteers. The children surprised Pope Francis with a small party ahead of his 77^th birthday (December 17), giving him a cake and a sweater. “Thank you for the love you have, the joy of these children, the gifts, the cake, the Pope said in a brief address. It was beautiful! Later I’ll tell you it was good or not. Thank you so much! May the Lord bless you.” Then he affectionately greeted the children one by one.

Sister Antoinette said “the Dispensary of Santa Marta has a long history, with over 90 years of solidarity spent in serving those people who too often seem invisible to the eyes of the world.” Since its founding in 1922, under Pope Pius XI, the Dispensary has assisted thousands of children, along with their families. The Dispensary provides medical care, psychological support and ensures basic necessities with the distribution of milk, diapers, wheelchairs, food, clothing, and toys. Children are given periodic inspections and specialized consultations are also provided to their mothers.

This symphony of love is made possible thanks to the voluntary work of doctors - pediatricians, obstetricians, sonographers, dermatologists, dentists - and many others who offer their time, passion and tenderness. Our days are marked by the joy of being a Christian, the brightness of a smile and the warmth of gratitude, she added.

In this time of Advent, pregnant with hope for the coming of the Messiah, once more we look to a family in need, abandoned by men to his fate, but we see above all the trust in the will of the Heavenly Father. Sr. Antonietta then invited the Pope to pay his tribute to a ceramic depicting the Holy Family of Nazareth, on behalf of all their families gathered there.

The Pope was also greeted by a Peruvian mother Elizabeth, whose child is one of the children cared for by at the Dispensary. While greeting Pope Francis said: Your presence always surprises us and gives us moments of tenderness and joy. What can we say about your smile? It’s so amazing, it goes to the heart of everyone, giving us so much peace. We know how much you love the children, especially to those who need it most.’ “These our children receive today the most beautiful Christmas gift they could imagine: your smile, your caress, your embrace”, she concluded.Source: VR Sedoc