Here in the land of Francis, far from the bombs, rockets and missiles that assail the modern world, there is peace. It is the peace "of the past centuries", of the time in which the Saint of Assisi lived, the country-side is unchanged and the last sunflowers are yellowing under the gentle Umbrian sunlight with the beauty and wonder of Assisi in the background.
At Rocca Sant'Angelo on the "Blessed Hill" - where the IACA gives hospitality to the "Community Bethlehem Families" - the houses are under construction or are still being repaired from the damages caused by the earthquake of 1997. The cottage which is used as a reception center for visitors remains unfit for use, at the moment, and work continues on the other buildings for the extension of the work of the community to offer assistance and hospitality for those in need of Christian nurture and fellowship.
Those who travel up the winding white road
to the isolated cottages, urged by a desire to find themselves will feel a "wind" of serenity. The daily rhythms are marked by the bell that chimes to call everybody to the gatherings for lunch and dinner, the reunions of the family, bound yes by  the tie of blood, but above all by the thread of solidarity.
There are young ones who have asked to pass a weekend and then have stayed for months.
In this corner of paradise little Ester, long plaits and sky-blue eyes,is receiving us. Her mother Constance is the wife of Marcello Ciai, founder of the community.  Constance is a very charming lady, with a strong charisma though, seriously determined in carrying out the aims of the association. Principal among the Association's immediate aims is  the transformation of an old farm-house into a reception and assistance center, for the poorand dispossessed and the victims of the recurring emergencies which the Association  is called to face up to - refugees from this war-torn world and the hapless victims of natural calamities and emergencies.

The Association is seeking assistance from all those who are able to help in any way, so that it can build and develop the center as a haven of love, peace and fellowship for all those sick and needy people or those with  problems of loneliness and social integration.

Please give us your support !