Do As The Romans Do ... Or Don't

You must know the old adage, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Well, during this time of the year, Romans usually relax and go on vacation to get away from the hot and humid eternal city. You can tell that only a few people are in town by the empty streets. 
 
Our board member, Robert Iommazzo, had less than three days available in his very busy work schedule, and decided to use them to come to Rome. But not to do as the Romans do in summer time…

You must know the old adage, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Well, during this time of the year, Romans usually relax and go on vacation to get away from the hot and humid eternal city. You can tell that only a few people are in town by the empty streets. 
 
Our board member, Robert Iommazzo, had less than three days available in his very busy work schedule, and decided to use them to come to Rome. But not to do as the Romans do in summer time…
 
Instead of spending time on a sandy beach or in unusually empty museums admiring some timeless masterpieces, he dedicated every moment of his time to the boys and girls of our Towns in Italy.
 
A few hours after landing in Rome, he was already on his way to visit La Repubblica dei Ragazzi in Civitavecchia. He shared a meal with the director, Fr. Rafael Diaz, and some of La Repubblica’s staff members. Together they toured the large campus on the Tyrrhenian Sea. He was offered a strong espresso by the four girls in our program and chatted with them in almost perfect Italian.
 
That very afternoon, he traveled back to Rome to attend a Mass at La Città dei Ragazzi to commemorate the 17th anniversary of our founder’s passing. The celebration, followed by a reception, was attended by current and former citizens and was a wonderful moment to remember the past while celebrating the present and the future.
 
Robert also attended the boys’ assembly and, with the permission of Paul, the current mayor (pictured above), he greeted all the citizens on behalf of our donors.
 
On his last day, Robert attended two meetings at the Vatican. One was with Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, to discuss the future of La Città dei Ragazzi. The second was with Msgr. Guy-Real Thivierge, director of a foundation created by Pope Francis to support programs like ours around the world.
 
There was no time to visit the Colosseum or the magnificent Sistine Chapel, but our boys and girls will remember the time they spent together with him forever. At the end of his trip, Robert remarked, “I am honored, humbled and grateful for my visit with our ‘cittadini’ in our Towns.”

Thank you, Robert, for your incredible dedication. Many thanks also to all our board members who are continuing the work of our founder. Or as the Romans do say… grazie mille! 
 
Gabriele Delmonaco