We've been getting "hits" from all over the world, many through searches for "Casa Materna." Please let us know if you are a child of the Casa Materna, military that served in Naples and volunteered at CM, or if you have relatives who did. We'd love to hear your story. Please use the "contact us" page or e-mail us your Casa Materna connection at
contact@italianchildrensmission.org . Thank you!!!
The journey to the
Italian Children's Mission.....
by Amy Na, Secretary
March 2010
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 began! 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, 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 anew 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.
Scenes from the now closed
Casa Materna
Please join us in mission
and donate today...
Italian Children's Mission
169 Neshannock Trails Dr.
New Castle,PA 16105
PAYPAL
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The Casa Materna Society is trading as the Italian Children's Mission. We are a 501 (c)(3), not for profit organization with the mission to support children in Italy. EIN 13-1854604
