Saving
Lives in Italy for More than Seven Centuries
By Vittoria Dussias '13
The
Misericordia di Firenze, an association dedicated to the
aid and transportation of the ill, is the oldest active confraternity
of its kind in Italy and the world.
Vittoria Dussias '13 in her Misericordia orange uniform. |
A Misericordia ambulance
outside Firenze's famous Duomo. |
Centuries-old donation slot at Misericordia: "limosiune
per i poveri
(charity for the poor)" |
Founded in 1244 by Saint
Peter the Martyr, the Misericordia ("Mercy" in Italian) performs
acts of charity such as transporting the sick to and from
hospitals, providing burial to the poor, feeding those in
need and more. During the years of the Plague, the Misericordia had the task of aiding those infected with the disease and
helping them through their suffering. During these times,
members of the Misericordia wore black, hooded robes to hide
their identity while performing services; they believed that
one should do good for the sake of doing good and not to
receive recognition or thanks.
While today the black robes
have been replaced by a bright orange jumpsuit, for safety
purposes, the old uniform is still used during ceremonies
and celebrations.
The Misericordia of
today has kept its fundamental ideals the same. First and
foremost, members of the Misericordia aid those
in need. This can range from anything between servizi sociali
(social services) such as transporting dialysis patients
between hospital and home, to servizi
d'emergenza (emergency
services) on an ambulance.
In addition to these services,
however, the Misericordia does
more to help its community. On the day of San Sebastian (the Misericordia's
patron saint), the confraternity offers a pranzo
dei poveri,
a free meal for those who live in underprivileged circumstances.
This small act sums up the Misericordia's
ideology simply: “it is our duty as human beings to help
those in need whenever we are able to do so.”
Volunteering with the Misericordia has
been a one-of-a-kind experience.
I have always enjoyed volunteer
work and I came into the Misericordia expecting
to gain a greater understanding of the medical world while
fulfilling my desire to help those in need. The Misericordia has
not let me down. I have had both simple and not-so-simple
cases. I have seen the inner-workings of an emergency room
and spoken with doctors, nurses and patients. Every time,
I leave my shift feeling happy that I, along with my teammates,
was able to help at least one person.
What I was not expecting
from this experience was the intense sense of caring among
the volunteers. Not only do they do their best to make their
patients and patients' families feel at ease, but they also
care deeply about one another.
I first came to this realization
on the day of my first night shift. Given that I was the
only new person, I was first introduced to everyone. We then
sat, chatted, watched TV and played cards while waiting to
be called. When dinner time rolled around, people started
pushing tables together, setting out table cloths, forks,
knives, cups, plates and by the end of it, a homemade dinner
was served, complete with appetizers, two different kinds
of pasta, and dessert.
It was when we finally started
eating and people began talking, teasing each other, laughing
and sword fighting with plastic forks that I realized that
the Misericorida is more than just an organization. It's
a tight-knit community created by trust and friendship.
Outside
the Misericordia,
these volunteers are lawyers, engineers, and teachers, but
the moment they put on that bright orange uniform, they become
part of a family that works to save lives every day.
I know
that if I ever find myself in need, I would feel safe in
their capable hands. I am proud and honored to say that I
belong to the Misericordia di Firenze. |
