"A chain of Christian charity" is behind "every volunteer work", without which "it could not exist and keep serving so many forms of unease and need". These were the words of Benedict XVI, at the beginning of his first visit of 2008, taking inspiration from Mother Teresa of Calcutta: this morning, he went to the "Dono di Maria" house in the Vatican, founded twenty years ago by the blessed nun of Calcutta and now run by the Missionary Nuns of the Charity. Since John Paul Ii opened the house on May 21st 1988, "how many acts of sharing, of effective charity commented the Pope have been made over these years, between these walls! They are a sign and an example for the Christian communities, driving them to always do all they can to be welcoming and open communities". "The beautiful name of this house, ‘Dono di Maria’ (Mary’s gift) went on the Holy Father , invites us, at the beginning of the new year, to indefatigably donate our life". Then, an invitation: "Like the saint Magi, who came from afar to worship the King-Messiah, you too go, dear brothers and sisters, in the streets of the world, following the example of Mother Teresa".
