"A Beacon of Hope: The Story of 'Alessia et Ses Anges"

In 1983, at the request of local authorities, Father Stefano founded the shelter home "Alessia et Ses Anges," intended for abandoned children, orphans, or victims of severe violence or abuse. Currently, the foster home hosts over one hundred children aged between 3 months and 14 years. Most are girls, who are abandoned more often than boys. The number of young residents is constantly growing; consider that in October 2011, there were 34.

The home is managed by eight educators and Sister Marie Jean. Father Stefano oversees daily operations and secures the necessary funds for the children's sustenance. He also covers the cost of food and education for over 80 children living in very poor families in villages near Ambanja.

Children are entrusted to the foster home by the Juvenile Court or local Social Services.

History of the home:

In 1983, Zafenie, a very sick 3-year-old girl, was abandoned by her parents at Saint Damien Hospital in Ambanja. The little girl was hospitalized for 7 months. When she recovered, Father Stefano contacted the Juvenile Court to find a foster home for her. "We have nothing like that here in Ambanja... unless you want to create one, Father."

Father Stefano accepted the challenge, and thus this project was born. Zafanie is now married and has two children: Giacomino and Crisolino.

The locals consider the home a point of reference and do not hesitate to turn to Father Stefano in case of need, whether for the reception of abandoned children, orphans, or simply those in difficulty. In September 2012, a taxi driver found three siblings aged 4, 3, and 2 abandoned on the street and did not hesitate to take them to Saint Damien Hospital: "Here, someone will take care of you." And so Franchetto, Nerina, and Sabrina are now part of the family. In the summer of 2015, a man who went into the woods in the evening found a few-days-old baby girl abandoned near a bush. The Court permanently entrusted her to Father Stefano's foster home, where Honorine, as her new family named her, found the affection she deserves.