The Confraternity of Mercy of Rome Saint Romanus is a voluntary association belonging to the Movement of the Confraternities of Mercy, founded in Florence in 1244 by Pietro da Verona, later known as Saint Peter Martyr. Today, the Confraternities of Mercy are present in Italy and abroad through more than 700 confraternities.
History
In January 1997, a small group of people—men and women united by a shared understanding of the common good, convinced of the need to become personally involved in building the “Civilisation of Love” to which the Gospel and the Catholic Church call us, and brought together by previous volunteering experience—decided to organise themselves and establish a new Association. Thus, the “Confraternity of Mercy of Rome Saint Romanus” was founded. By joining the National Confederation of the Confraternities of Mercy of Italy and drawing inspiration from this ancient expression of volunteering, the new Association would provide social and healthcare services in the city of Rome and offer a place of fulfilment for many Catholic volunteers. The real breakthrough came shortly afterwards when, thanks to the immense generosity of a married couple, the first ambulance was purchased. That gesture of love, made in memory of their daughter who had died prematurely, launched a story of commitment and service that made it possible to stand beside many people in their suffering and, over the years, support healthcare and social needs not only within the neighbourhood and parish but also at national level. The volunteers of the Confraternity of Mercy of Rome Saint Romanus undertake a wide range of activities: from healthcare to social services, from training to civil protection, as well as well-established partnerships with other parish and institutional care organisations. Its assistance strategy is supported by agreements with the principal national and regional bodies, including the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Department of Civil Protection, Lazio Region, ARES 118, Rome Capital, Rome Capital Civil Protection, various Municipal Districts of Rome Capital, National Confederation of the Confraternities of Mercy of Italy and its Emergency Division. The volunteers’ commitment has enabled the Association to expand its fleet, which currently comprises two social transport vehicles, two ambulances and a van used to move civil protection equipment. Over the years, its areas of intervention and range of services have expanded, while the volunteers work every day to ensure that their guiding spirit remains faithful to the original inspiration and the teachings of the Gospel. Furthermore, in 2019, the Regional Health Emergency Agency 118 recognised and accredited the Rome Saint Romanus Confraternity of Mercy Training Centre as one of the centres authorised to provide BLS-D courses; since its establishment, the Centre has trained more than 1,500 people to use a defibrillator.
Activities
- MEDICAL TRANSPORT
- SOCIAL TRANSPORT
- SUSPENDED GROCERIES
- CARITAS CANTEEN SERVICE
- CIVIL PROTECTION
- MANAGEMENT OF MAJOR EVENTS WITH ARES 118
- CIVIL SERVICE
- ARES 118 TRAINING CENTRE
- IRC TRAINING CENTRE
Contacts
Largo Antonio Beltramelli 16 – 00157 Roma
Tel: +39 06 4514139
https://www.misericordia.roma.it/