Modena. Carlo, 78, a homeless man “adopted” by Saint Pius X “I chose the road, here many help me”

HISTORY

stefano totaro

“There are ups and downs in life, this applies to everyone. Now for me it is a rather low time ». A drag of a cigarette, a cloud of smoke in front of the Ray-Bans, then he continues: «But let’s go on, let’s say that for the future I am covered. When it gets cold I go to the mountains, to Lama Mocogno. I have known people there for some years, I found a place. They give me accommodation for 200 euros a month. I would say it is a good solution. For now I’m here, on the street, waiting ».

Carlo Franzini, from Modena with residence in Nonantola, is 78 years old. While he talks, he is sitting on the corner of via Bellini and the small square-parking of the parish of San Pio, among the windows of the laundry. Eat chicken from a platter with vegetables and mashed potatoes. He has a pillow, a paper bag with some cloths and clothes, a bicycle. Vincenzo, the owner of the laundry who often washes his clothes, brings him a bottle of frozen mineral and puts the chain with the padlock “so – he says, turning to his new friend on the street – if you have to take a walk, at least you don’t scrub the bike. And drink slowly that the water is cold ».

The elder has been adopted by the residents and traders of the area, since he made his appearance at the end of June, first on one of the benches near the parish, now under the portico, where he is more sheltered from both the sun. that from any changes in weather. Shortly before Vincenzo, a woman brought him a blanket, a shirt and socks: «Many see him and pass by pretending nothing has happened. I have more things, I can help him, it costs me nothing, “he says. And from the bar across the street the bartender Samanta Zaccardo confirms the solidarity chain. Every morning we have some customers who leave them paid for breakfast, a coffee, a brioche. So I call him, he sits at the table, consumes and gives heartfelt thanks. He is polite and does not disturb anyone. ‘ What drove Carlo to the street? «I worked for Cremonini for many years – he explains – up and down Europe to deliver meat by truck. Then I retired and I still have my pension. Family? Yes, a wife and a daughter. But I haven’t seen anyone for a long time. I no longer have relations with them. I have always lived in Modena. Lately I had an apartment in piazzale Natale Bruni, but two months ago they sent me away. And so I made do by coming here, it’s a choice ». But it was not abandoned. «The social workers know me, I’m on the waiting list for a job at Open Door. The Red Cross also helps me here, every two days they bring me food. That’s okay for now, I’ll wait ». The nearby parish also offered its help. A few nights he slept in a parish bed but then, they report, he himself went away, preferring to stay on the street. “The urban vigli – says Carlo – have however thrown away my dirty stuff”. But the neighborhood, he knows by now, is already ready with other donations. –

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