TRINITA APPEAL

This year, a real spirit of solidarity united the French alumnae when they responded to an appeal for help sent from Rome by the French Religious of the Sacred Heart of Trinità dei Monti.

Help was needed to prevent the closure of the "Centre d'Accueil Français" - the hospitality centre - because the decayed state of the building meant that it needed to be renovated urgently, and also made to conform to legal safety regulations.

Built in the 17th century, this building was the former monastery infirmary, and houses one of the most charming and astonishing treasures of Trinità dei Monti: "the parrot's chamber". An 18th century fresco of antique ruins overrun by nature in the "trompe l'oeil" style also features a splendid parrot perched on a beam, giving the room its name. This unique work of art is in great need of restoration.

Running the centre, which was founded in 1975, is one of the most important activities of Trinità dei Monti. Around 3,000 people - mainly youth groups - are received there each year. The welcome and the surroundings which the Religious provide, as well as the exceptional location and the beauty of its cultural heritage, make this place truly unique. Its likely closure seemed even more regrettable on the eve of the Jubilee Year in 2000, when an influx of young pilgrims will arrive in Rome to participate in World Youth Days.

The cost of building work amounts to US$ 850,000 of which 70% ($600,000) is guaranteed by the owner ("Les Pieux Etablissements - the "Pious Establishments of Rome"). The hospitality centre needs to find the remaining 30% - i.e. $250,000.

In order to raise this sum, the French Alumnae have joined forces so that the centre can continue its work and be ready for the great event of the Jubilee Year.

In February, an association named "The Friends of Trinità dei Monti" was created in order to facilitate this fundraising. ("The Friends of Trinità dei Monti" - 75 Boulevard Malesherbes 75008 Paris FRANCE - bank account: Crédit du Nord - 22ter rue Legendre - 75017 Nº 30076 02042 15299200200 50) In March, a special issue on Trinità dei Monti was published by the editorial team of the UFASC journal (the French Alumnae Association). An information letter was widely distributed to all French Alumnae. Further communication was made with potential patrons; discussions are currently taking place.

Already, the results of this initiative are encouraging. To date, 343 French Alumnae have responded to the appeal from Rome. Their gifts amount to 202,000FF ($US 33,666) plus a donation of 200,000FF from a business acting as patrons. Because of this first wave of generosity, renovation work on the building has already commenced, and the closure of the centre has been avoided.

Some of you are probably already aware of this appeal for aid: documentation - written and photographic - was provided to participants at the latest World Congress in Mexico.

If this appeal moves you and you need further information, the "Friends of Trinità dei Monti" can place all this documentation at your disposal.

What happens next is in all our hands. As you know, the original fresco depicting Mater Admirabilis is at Trinità dei Monti: let as ask her to inspire our work and our generosity.