The Confraternity of Misericordia of Bivigliano is a volunteer organization that is part of the Movement of the Misericordie, founded in 1244 in Florence by Pietro da Verona, later known as Saint Peter the Martyr. Today, the Misericordie are present in Italy and abroad with over 700 confraternities.
History
In the early 1970s, the Bivigliano Misericordia Society was established as a branch of the Borgo San Lorenzo Misericordia Society, with virtually all members of the Bivigliano Society and the Bivigliano Misericordia joining the latter. Immediately, the Misericordia of Borgo San Lorenzo took action to send a vehicle with a driver and a volunteer, while the Bivigliano chapter provided two additional volunteers to assist with any emergency responses. Initially, they operated only on Saturdays and Sundays, and the ambulance (donated by the Misericordia of Borgo San Lorenzo) was parked in the town square, near the “fontanina.” Over time, the organization improved until they secured their first “headquarters” at the bar in the town center. Most of the organizational meetings were held there (or alternatively in members’ private homes), and a public telephone was even installed, positioned near the bar’s entrance and accessible from outside—even when the bar was closed—through a small hatch. Volunteers on duty would stay inside the bar in the winter or, when the weather was nice, sit on the low wall across the street, which became one of the most popular spots in town. Around 1980, the other hamlets—Montorsoli, Vaglia, and Pratolino—also provided several volunteers to the Misericordia, and the idea gained traction of purchasing a vehicle for the Misericordia, thereby making it “independent” from Borgo San Lorenzo. The issue sparked much discontent and debate, eventually leading to a ruling by the Magistrate of the Misericordia of Borgo San Lorenzo, who decided in favor of Bivigliano. The Misericordia of Borgo San Lorenzo purchased an ambulance—a Fiat 238 van—which became the first vehicle of the Misericordia of Bivigliano. Over time, using revenue from its services and generous donations from the community, the Misericordia of Bivigliano would fully reimburse the Misericordia of Borgo San Lorenzo. It was in 1984 that the Misericordia of Bivigliano was finally established, already counting hundreds of active members, even though only 19 were listed in the articles of incorporation as representatives of all the others. At this point, the Misericordia was officially established; it had its first vehicle but lacked a headquarters. The parish had only an old pigsty, half of which was being used as a garbage dump. The building was in terrible condition, but since it was the only one available, plans were made for the renovation, and fundraising efforts began. The first charity fundraisers were held, and the entire local population—as well as vacationers—responded generously, enabling the newly formed association to begin the work. The dedication of the volunteers who worked to make the premises—provided free of charge by the church—habitable was also deeply moving. With its new headquarters completed and its original enthusiasm intact, the Misericordia has continued to grow and expand to this day.
Activities
- CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
- 112 EMERGENCY SERVICE
- SOLIDARITY FOOD BANK
- SOCIAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
- REGULAR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
- CLINICS WITH PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS
- DENTAL OFFICE
- TRAINING COURSES
- SERVICES FOR SPORTS EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS
Contact Us
Via Roma 202 – 50036 Bivigliano (FI)
Via della Chiesa 121 -50030 Vaglia (FI)
Via Bolognese 294 – Trespiano
TEL. +39055406406