Italy: Religious sisters invite adults to reimagine the world through eyes of children

In the face of societal pressures on children, a religious sister in Italy upholds their inherent dignity, dreams, and well-being in hopes they shape a better future as they grow.

Pontifical Society of Holy Childhood (POSI), Italy

Sr. Inês Paulo Albino, speaking at a conference in Trani entitled 'Children9;s rights are close to my heart,” emphasized that the children must be the center of societal priorities.

According to the Vatican’s Fides news agency, Sr. Albino, Secretary General of the Pontifical Society of Holy Childhood (POSI), highlighted the need for a shift in perspective that recognizes every child as a bearer of hope and dreams.

Rethinking childhood in a world of iniquity

Sr. Albino noted that each child represents a unique future worth nurturing and stressed that authentic humanity is expressed in the effort to help their dreams to be realized.

Her message resonated deeply during the celebration of the third anniversary of the Serafina Cinque social center at the Cittadella Sanguis Christi.

In the missionary experience of Sr. Albino, who shared the diverse realities that children face from across Africa, Asia, and the Americas and encounters in Europe and North America, she has witnessed both care and neglect.

In many developing countries and regions, children struggle with poverty, lack of education, and hunger. Meanwhile, in more affluent societies, she observed a crisis of emotional isolation, lack of guidance, and growing dissatisfaction among children who, despite material abundance, often feel lonely.

She described the denial of children’s rights as a “terrible catastrophe” for humanity, with neglect, whether physical or emotional, undermining the future society worldwide.

Protect and empower life as a mission

The event highlighted the work of the congregation of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, which manages the Cittadella Sanguis.

Their mission focuses on protecting life, especially the unborn children, while supporting families facing difficult circumstances, including infertility and unplanned pregnancies. Special attention is given to vulnerable and disadvantaged women.

Sr. Albino outlined the mission of POSI, which supports approximately 3,000 projects annually, with its initiative aiming to provide children worldwide with opportunities for holistic growth, faith formation, and missionary education.

Through these efforts, the organization seeks not only to meet children9;s immediate needs but also to instill hope and purpose for the future.

In calling the example of St. Joseph, whose feast is celebrated on March 19, Sr. Albino encouraged communities to embrace care and responsibility and protect the children.

Her message stands as a powerful reminder that building a better world begins with listening to, supporting, and walking alongside the youngest among us.

Sr. Christine Masivo
Source: vaticannews.va/en