St Andrew Corsini (1302-1374), an Italian Carmelite bishop is still remembered for his outstanding gifts. He was born in Florence and named bishop of nearby Fiesole in 1349. He responded energetically to the devastation caused by plague (the Black Death) in 1348-49, making care of the poor and needy his first priority, and for this reason was called “the father of the poor”.
He insisted on living simply and in Fiesole instead of in his predecessors’ palace in Florence. Wise, efficient, well-organised, and generous, he was an able administrator and a respected moderator in times of social conflict.
Prayer
God of Peace, gift us with faith and patience that we may discover the right path and choose it to be the best way for us. Show us how to use our strengths and insight for the benefit of not only our friends, but all we meet. May Saint Andrew Corsini teach us the meaning of dedication and perseverance.
Doncare
Corsini’s House charity has been Doncare since 2012. For over 50 years Doncare has provided support to families, the aged, youth and disadvantaged in the City of Manningham and surrounds. Their approach to working with the community operates on three levels; providing assistance, prevention through support and education, and enlisting community involvement. Their services are primarily delivered by a team of over 500 trained volunteers who are managed by a small team of paid staff. Over the past 2 years boys in Corsini have given financial support for Emergency Relief as well as helping with deliveries to Opportunity Shops and preparing and serving food at Community Forums. During 2013 it was felt we needed to engage our boys and our College with our community to a greater extent so we piloted a Corsini/Doncare charity lunch here at Whitefriars in November 2013. After a successful application to the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation we were able to build on the success of the first charity lunch and continue with 6 more in 2014.
Doncare regularly run lunch clubs with the help of their volunteers, these lunch clubs would normally involve our more isolated elderly citizens of Manningham being picked up and taken to a venue for lunch. We have provided the venue here at Whitefriars College and Year 8 and 9 boys in each Pastoral Care Group prepared, cooked, served and then ate with our guests. We have also entertained our guests with piano recitals, singing and even a magic show! This partnership with Doncare has involved over 100 guests and over 50 students throughout 2015 and 2016. From 2017 onwards Corsini House has continued to support Doncare financially but also have worked in partnership with Doncare and Manningham Kiwanis. Students in Corsini were asked to donate small new items from home, such as a comb, toothbrush, soap or facewasher. These items were then packed up into Emergency Relief parcels to be given to families who were victims of domestic violence and have had to flee their homes. This is yet another example of ‘Faith in Action’.
