Sacra Famiglia

Why is this unassuming chapel painted a gentle shade of green? We’re standing before the Sacra Famiglia, a place with a heart as big as its history. This building whispers tales of compassion and resilience, born in 1850 from the vision of Gaspare Saccarelli, a priest who saw a need in the heart of Turin’s Borgo San Donato. Back then, this area was a far cry from the charming neighborhood it is today. Imagine poverty, imagine hardship, imagine countless young women struggling to survive. Saccarelli, inspired by the charitable works of Saint Giuseppe Cottolengo, established a haven. It began as a simple Sunday school, a beacon of hope for factory workers and those yearning for knowledge. But Saccarelli’s vision didn’t stop there. With the support of Countess Carolina Corsi di Viano, he transformed the Sacra Famiglia into something truly remarkable. He established a home, a school, a place where these women could learn essential skills, find work, and most importantly, raise their children in a loving environment. The Sacra Famiglia was a radical idea in the 19th century, offering a lifeline to single mothers when society often turned its back. Over the years, the building has undergone changes, expansions led by dedicated individuals like Canon Paolo Bergher and Canon Emiliano Rosaz. Yet, the heart of Saccarelli’s vision, the spirit of empowerment, that’s woven into the very fabric of this place. Now, about that green paint. It’s a tradition dating back to the founder himself. The young women of Sacra Famiglia, known as the “Verdine” or “little green ones,” would even wear green at funerals, a symbol of hope and a brighter future. So, as you gaze upon the Sacra Famiglia, remember the legacy of compassion, resilience, and the enduring power of one man’s dream.