Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - On Sunday, December 2, Benedict XVI is due to visit the Roman hospital of St. John the Baptist, which belongs to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from neurological disorders. The Pope will celebrate Mass for the patients and their families before going on to visit the reanimation unit, one of the few Italian healthcare structures specifically dedicated to providing specialized therapy for patients recovering from comas. According to a note published by the communications office of the Order of Malta, this event has a twofold historical significance: firstly because it is "the first visit by a Pope to this hospital," and secondly because the hospital itself has a long-standing link to the See of Peter, "being built on the site of the ancient 'Castello della Magliana,' used by Pontiffs for centuries as their summer residence". The site, restored by the Order of Malta, is now a famous Training School for Nurses.
The Sovereign Military and Hospital Order of St John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta founded in Jerusalem 960 years ago, serves the poor, the sick, the homeless and those on the margins of society. Its 12,500 members, 80,000 permanent volunteers, assisted by over 13,000 doctors, nurses, auxiliaries and paramedics, care for the elderly, the disabled, children, refugees, homeless, terminally ill, lepers, drug addicts in 120 countries all over the world.
The jewel of the activity of the Italian Association is San Giovanni Battista Hospital specialised in treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from neurological disorders. The Hospital has a staff of 500, it has 240 beds, a day-hospital for 350 out-patients and it offers various specialised services. The volunteers focus on the centrality of the patient and the 'humanisation' of treatment and respect for human dignity. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 27/11/2007, righe 36, parole 466)
