A haven of peace stands before us. This is the Capilla del Cottolengo Don Orione. It is more than just a chapel. It’s a testament to unwavering faith and compassionate service.
The Capilla del Cottolengo Don Orione is deeply intertwined with the history of the Pequeño Cottolengo Femenino Don Orione. This home opened its doors in 1946. It was a gift from Sra Bernardina Quadros de Braga. Twenty-three elderly women found refuge within its walls. The home initially provided care for abandoned or impoverished women with various health conditions. Over the years it grew. Today it shelters eighty-nine women. These women are girls women and elderly individuals. They have disabilities and require significant care.
The chapel itself is a sacred space within this larger community. It’s a place of quiet reflection and prayer for the residents. It’s also a testament to the life of Don Orione. He was a priest who dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalized. His legacy lives on through the work of the Pequeñas Hermanas Misioneras de la Caridad. They run the Cottolengo.
The Pequeño Cottolengo Femenino Don Orione is not merely a care facility. It’s a family. The sisters and staff work tirelessly to provide holistic care for the residents. They aim to improve the residents’ quality of life. This is done through rehabilitation and various therapies. They emphasize respect and dignity for every individual.
Don Orione’s vision was to create a space where those rejected by society were welcomed. He called them ‘his pearls’. Here in the Capilla del Cottolengo Don Orione we see that vision realized. The chapel is a small part of a wider world of service and compassion. This is a place where faith and charity intersect in the most beautiful way.
Remember as you leave that the Capilla del Cottolengo Don Orione is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a beacon of hope. It’s a home. It’s a sacred space where the spirit of Don Orione continues to inspire acts of kindness and generosity. The legacy of this chapel and the home extends far beyond its walls.