The Community of Sant'Egidio was established in Rome in 1968 as a lay Catholic association recognized by the Holy See. Its members provide assistance to needy, sick, and suffering people in addition to working and living their family lives, praying together and gaining strength and hope from the example and teachings of Jesus.
Around the world, Communities of Sant'Egidio help children, the elderly, people with disabilities, the homeless, and Roma communities, and they visit prisoners and the sick. The Community’s DREAM program aims to overcome HIV/AIDS. Mónika Körtvélyessy, a Hungarian doctor, is working for these very goals in the Centre in Malawi.
They also operate free kitchens and social centers for the homeless in numerous cities, with four locations in Hungary: Budapest, Pécs, Győr, and Monor. The Community feeds the homeless and invites them to Christmas feasts. At the beginning of each year, they hold Holy Mass in remembrance of all the homeless who lost their lives on the city streets in the course of the previous year. In Hungary, the mass has been named Scooter Mass in memory of a homeless individual who passed away last year. At their prayer gatherings, they confirm their commitment to peace and solidarity.
Péter Szőke is the regional and Budapest manager of the Community of Sant'Egidio.