It happened on January 31st 1983. On the morning of that day, a women of no fixed abode, visibly suffering, was left unaided at Rome’s Termini Railway Station because she was considered too dirty to touch. Four long hours passed. She died on her way to hospital. Modesta Valenti was 71 years old. Life’s hardships had led her from her home province of Friuli to the city of Rome.

Since that day, the Community of Sant'Egidio has each year honoured the memory of Modesta, and along with her all those who live, and too often die, on our streets. 

Those who have died on the streets are also commemorated in other cities:

NAPLES  Sunday 17 February at 12:00 midday in the Basilica of Saints Severino e Sossio, Piazza S. Marcellino, a liturgy in remembrance of Elisa and of those who have died on our streets.

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