October 1983: An appointment with a Father Marchesi (I later discovered that he was the Superior General and as part of the humanisation process his intention was to encourage a larger and varied number of care workers on Tiber Island), with another newly-recruited colleague. In a few words, the Superior invited us to support this process of renewing the Order and the Hospital.

That meeting gave me the first answer to my questions, mainly why, after six years, I had decided to leave the psychiatric service a stones’ throw from home, with the enthralling job of reintegrating psychiatric patients in their own homes after the closure of the Rome psychiatric hospital, including home visits, talking to their families working in a great team. Without realising it, I was looking for a job that fitted me as a person. I realised this after talking to Father Marchesi and Brother Ramon Ferrerò (the medical director) with whom I discussed the work of the social services being developed in the hospital. Many years after my meeting with Brother Marco I realised what I had always known, but never practised as I wanted: Hospitality involves everyone – carers and patients, the hospital and the local environment, the first and the least. I reappraised the principles, values and techniques of social work, and saw that form and substance can be the same thing, just as the Charism is the helm for my profession.

Today I reflect back on my life and work in the Hospital, my meetings with sick, the care workers and other people. Seemingly casual circumstances, but ones that strengthen my sense of belonging there, and I hope that of all those who come into contact with me.