For the elderly in the Croce-Di Vittorio neighbourhood of Manfredonia, the Nicodemo Project has been a point of reference for twenty years, a real space for meeting, support and friendship for senior citizens.
Every year, the Sisters of Charity reopen their home – the San Francesco da Paola Institute – and, with determination and tenacity, carry on with the Nicodemo Project with the sole intention of focusing their attention on this vulnerable section of the local population, who are often left alone in their own homes.
Launched on 19 February 2005 from an idea of the Sisters of Charity, the Project welcomes over a hundred elderly people every week – mainly women between the ages of 65 and 90 – who enthusiastically participate in the activities on offer, finding a place where they can share experiences and rediscover the value of socialising.
Inspired by the charisma of their founder, Saint Giovanna Antida Thouret, the Sisters of Charity continue to carry out with dedication and generosity a project that focuses on “the least” and the most vulnerable.
A daily commitment of hospitality, solidarity and care. The reopening celebration took place on 11 October 2025.
The activities of the Nicodemo Project take place twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the premises of the Institute in Via E. Giustino.
The Nicodemo Project is also a centre for the promotion of volunteering: cultural, religious, socio-health and artistic meetings are held by volunteers.
The opportunities for meeting provided by the volunteers help to keep the mind active, stimulate curiosity and broaden knowledge; intergenerational meetings between grandparents and the younger generations help to overcome barriers and prejudices; guided tours of the area encourage a love of artistic heritage; moments of prayer together, leisure, games, dancing and music help people to socialise and learn the art of being together.
