Once again, our board welcomed the request for cooperation, on an experimental basis, with the ‘Casa del Pellegrino – Cascina Toledina’ in Garlasco (Pavia), which is part of Fondazione Exodus di Don Mazzi.
The donation-based accommodation, right on the Via Francigena, is equipped with twelve beds, a kitchen, a reception area, two bathrooms
We would like to emphasise the social relevance and solidarity aspect of this collaboration, given the particular context in which the hostel is included; as a matter of fact, it is part of a facility that welcomes young people in recovery or reported by the judicial authorities. For them, hosting pilgrims constitutes an extra element of connection with the reality of the Via Francigena and the world of pilgrimages which can prove beneficial on them .
During our service we will be strictly required
– not to introduce alcohol or drugs, not even for personal use;
– not to give young people either money or our mobile phones.
We will also have the opportunity to interact with them, collaborating in some practical activities, e.g. looking after the animals, the vegetable garden, etc.
The duration of the collaboration, which includes the presence of a hospitalero, will start this year from Saturday 28 June and will end on Saturday 15 October.