Fondazione Comunità Domenico Tardini

Friday, January 18, 2008

Fondazione Comunità Domenico Tardini

The Fondazione Comunità Domenico Tardini university college was founded in 1946 by Monsignor Domenico Tardini, the future Secretary of State to Pope John XXIII. The college welcomed and supported in their studies, talented children and young adults, as well as orphans and students from poor backgrounds.

In 1980 it was turned into a university college and is run by the Domenico Tardini Community Foundation, made up of alumni engaged in universities and the professional field. Cardinal Achille Silvestrini is the president of the Foundation and Professor Angela Gropelli its vice president.

The Foundation is located in Villa Nazareth in Rome. Admission is not fee-based, as specified in the statute of the Foundation. It welcomes male and female students from low-income families, who have shown outstanding performance at school. Successful applicants can register in state, private or papal universities after receiving thorough, individual guidance on the most appropriate course of study.

In addition to their university studies, students are expected to undertake a rigorous, integrative journey towards their personal development. The residences also play host to graduates who show exceptional skills in their post qualification courses, specialising in masters and postgraduate programmes.

Taking inspiration from the parable of talents in the Gospel of St. Matthew (Matthew 25, 14-30), the college helps to shape young adults who use the natural gifts they have been given responsibly.

The Foundation operates along three principles: the Christian meaning of existence; respect for individual freedom; the importance of knowledge.
Services and facilities

Residential services: accommodation in single-, twin- or three-bedded study rooms, shared bathrooms, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily cleaning of communal areas, laundry and ironing service.

Resources and facilities for study and leisure activities: library, main lecture theatre and conference rooms, computer room, drafting room, playing fields and gym, newspaper reading room, TV lounge; garden and lawns, chapel.

Cultural and formative activities: study guidance, tutoring, career counselling, international exchanges, foreign study grants, annual foreign language and computer courses, theology courses, lectures and seminars on specialist topics, conventions, conferences and meetings.