INTRODUCTION.
THE STORY OF AN INSIGHT BORN LONG AGO
On the 18th of March, 1918-in the wake of the Great War-Don Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli opened the “Casa dello Studente” (Student House) in the Upper Town of Bergamo (Città Alta), officially inaugurating it on the 25th of November of that same year. Over its 85-year history, the house-which was later relocated to the Lower Town of Bergamo (Città Bassa)-has accommodated more than 15,000 young men. When the time came to leave, following his summons to Rome, he described the experience as his own personal “Emmaus moment.” Indeed, sharing daily life with these young students-who travelled down from the valleys to the city to pursue their secondary and higher education-had truly made his heart “burn within him.” Read more
Article 1
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The educational programme of the “Pier Giorgio Frassati” University House is inspired by the Christian vision of the human person, which places the experience of relationship-as a constitutive element of identity-at its centre; therefore, the dimensions of sharing, gift, service, closeness, and encounter with the other constitute the fundamental values and pillars upon which this initiative is built and which it seeks to foster.
Article 2.
PERSONAL FREEDOM AND THE GRADUAL NATURE OF THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
The University House recognizes and safeguards the personal freedom of each student as an essential condition for any authentic educational path. Therefore, participation in this educational programme is not a process of homogenization, but rather a journey of personal growth that respects the background, sensibilities, and starting point of each resident. Read more
Article 3.
DIRECTION AND PASTORAL GUIDANCE
The direction and spiritual care of the University House are entrusted to a team comprising the Director of the University House, the Educator, and-should the number of students require it-a pastoral animator; these individuals are appointed by the Diocesan Ordinary. The team maintains constant coordination with the directors of the Diocese’s Office for University Pastoral Care and Office for Youth and Young Adult Pastoral Care. Read more
Article 4.
OBJECTIVES OF COMMUNITY LIFE
Community life in the University House is intended as a setting for experiencing and learning about adult life, fostering a process of integral personal growth that encompasses affective, emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. Read more
Article 5.
ENGAGEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY CONTEXT AND WITH ECCLESIAL AND SOCIAL LIFE
The University House does not constitute an entity separate from or an alternative to the University, civic, and diocesan context; rather, it serves to facilitate the students’ full and responsible integration into academic, social, and ecclesial life. read more
Article 6.
ADMISSION, ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROJECT, AND RENEWAL
Applications for admission to the University House require a genuine willingness to engage with the values and objectives of the educational project. This entails an understanding that the project offers a community living experience inspired by Christian principles-one that does not supplant individual choices but rather supports them, while respecting personal freedom and responsibility.
Admission to the University House is subject to the following conditions:
- a letter of recommendation from one’s parish priest or a priest known to the applicant;
- an admission interview with the Director and the Educator;
- a willingness to embrace the values and objectives of this educational project.
Periodically throughout the year, the student will review their progress within the University House and their academic path with the Director, with a view to continued residency and renewal for the following year. read more
