Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Ceremony for the recognition of a House of Life by the Raoul Wallemberg International Foundation Silvia Costantini

Houses of Life in Rome: A pilgrimage into the memory of solidarity

Rome, the Eternal City, is steeped in millennia of history. Amidst its architectural marvels and enchanting alleys lie poignant reminders of extraordinary courage and humanity. The Houses of Life, recognized by the Raoul Wallenberg International Foundation, are physical locations that provided refuge and hope during one of history’s darkest chapters: the Holocaust.

This unique pilgrimage through these sanctuaries of memory is a journey of history and spirit, celebrating solidarity during an era of profound adversity.

What are the Houses of Life?

The Houses of Life are sites that, during times of genocide and persecution, stood as beacons of light in the darkness. As part of the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation’s Houses of Life initiative, these locations have been identified and commemorated as testimonies to civil courage.

In Rome, more than 200 sites—including monasteries, convents, hospitals, schools, and private homes—are recognized as places where individuals risked everything to shelter those targeted by the Nazi regime.

Marked with commemorative plaques, these Houses of Life invite reflection on the enduring value of human solidarity.

 

Tracing the memory of solidarity

Declared a House of Life by the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation, this site honors the heroism of Father Marie Benoît, who saved over 4,000 Jews in France and Italy during the Nazi occupation. With the help of friars, nuns, and laypeople, the Curia became a hub for forging documents, providing shelter, and arranging escapes to Allied territory.

Father Benoît’s unwavering respect for human dignity transcended religious boundaries, earning him the title Righteous Among the Nations in 1966. A plaque on the Curia’s exterior commemorates his bravery and the collective efforts of the Capuchin friars.

The only private residence on this pilgrimage, this home sheltered two Jewish children, Bianca and Marcello Campagnano, during the Nazi persecution. Fausto Staderini and his wife, Bice Gilardoni, integrated the children into their family of six, maintaining secrecy to protect their identities. Despite shortages and constant danger, the Staderinis provided safety, education, and a semblance of normalcy.

In 2010, Fausto and Bice were posthumously honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. The home stands as a testament to the power of familial love and moral courage.

On an island in the Tiber River, this hospital became a refuge thanks to the ingenuity of Dr. Giovanni Borromeo and his colleagues, who invented the “K Syndrome,” a fictitious disease that deterred Nazi inspections. Behind the quarantined doors, Jewish refugees found safety.

A courtyard plaque commemorates this extraordinary example of creativity and compassion, making it a must-visit for understanding the intersection of medicine and resistance.

The Roman route of the “Houses of Life” and the ruse of “K’s Illness”

  • The Convent of Santa Brigida
    Address: Piazza Farnese

Led by Blessed Maria Elisabetta Hesselblad and Mother Ricarda Beauchamp Hambrough, the nuns of Santa Brigida sheltered 13 members of the Piperno family, providing not just safety but the dignity to practice their faith. With careful planning, they prepared hiding spots and ensured the family’s security until the Allies liberated Rome.

This convent highlights the vital role of interfaith solidarity and the quiet heroism of women during times of crisis.

Under the leadership of Father Joaquim Carreira, this seminary protected around 40 individuals, including Jews, intellectuals, and resistance members. Father Carreira’s resourcefulness and compassion shielded them from Nazi raids, even as he risked his own life. His diaries reveal the hardships and steadfast resolve of those harrowing years.

This church sheltered 35 individuals—Jews and political dissidents—by transforming its attic into a concealed refuge. Led by Pietro Lestini, parishioners created a hidden sanctuary that, despite its cramped conditions, offered hope until Rome’s liberation.

The church remains a symbol of moral resistance and the strength of community in the face of oppression.

  • The Sisters of St. Joseph Institute
    Address: Rome

Between 1943 and 1944, this institute provided sanctuary to 60 refugees, many of them children. Sister Emerenziana Bolledi’s quiet courage is emblematic of the sacrifices made by countless women of faith during the war.

This historic villa, under Jesuit leadership, hid three Jewish children under assumed names, shielding them from deportation. The rector, Father Raffaele de Ghantuz Cubbe, was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations for his untiring commitment to humanity.

This seminary sheltered over 100 refugees, including Allied soldiers, Italian defectors, and Jewish families, providing a haven despite the constant threat of Nazi raids. A plaque commemorates the courage of the priests and seminarians who upheld moral resistance.

  • The Convent of Our Lady of Sion
    Address: Rome

With staunch resolve, the nuns of this convent protected over 200 individuals during Nazi roundups. Now housing a university, it serves as a living reminder of the profound impact of collective courage.

Why visit the Houses of Life?

This pilgrimage is an invitation to engage with stories of moral courage, resistance, and solidarity. As Elie Wiesel once said, “The opposite of love is not hate; it’s indifference.” The Houses of Life remind us of the abiding power of choosing good in the face of evil.

Plan your visit to Rome’s Houses of Life and connect with these extraordinary stories of faith in humanity, courage, and enduring hope.

This post is also available in: Español Italiano

Leave a Comment