ITALIAN CHILDREN'S MISSION
In 1905, an Italian Protestant minister, Riccardo Santi, opened his home to needy children from the streets of Naples. Over the years, his home was too small and with the help of the US Navy stationed in Naples, he bought property in a suburb of Naples called Portici and the home with a mother's love called Casa Materna was born!
From one man's home, the program grew into a residential program with a school, a garden and even several workshops to help the children. Since its foundation, Casa Materna faced many challenges. Children and adults endured two world wars, limited resources, prejudice, deprivation, earthquakes, sadness, and social change. During those years, international committees were established to contribute funds to the home. Two years shy of its 100th anniversary, Casa Materna closed its doors due to financial and administrative problems.
One of the international committees leftover from the days of Casa Materna was the committee in the USA; it was called the Casa Materna Society. The CMS has recently changed its name to the Italian Children's Mission. All of the former CMS members were invited to join the new group. Some retired and others continued to serve. Along the way, some new members have joined.
The Casa Materna story is your story. The Italian Children's Mission story is your story. Your story has joys and triumphs, mistakes and achievements. Your story has passion and disappointment, sorrow and delight. Join us, the members of the Italian Children's Mission, as we seek to give and serve the needy children of Naples and southern Italy. Join us and continue to support Italian children with your prayers, your visits, and your gifts. Share the journey.
USA and ITALY contact information
Amy Na, secretary
36 Ryan's Mill Rd.
Jamison, PA 18929
italianchildrenmission@gmail.com
724.510.4357