Honor of Knight OSI, Order of the Star of Italy to Sister Antonietta Maria Petrosino

The honor was motivated by the Italian Ambassador, Paolo Trichilo, in Zagreb: ‘for 30 years, Sr. Antonietta Maria Petrosino has carried out an important humanitarian activity aimed at projects to support vulnerable categories and initiatives aimed at improving the conditions and usability of public and private spaces, first as head of the Italian Caritas and then as founder and director of the Rehobot Foundation in Zagreb’.

Sr. Antonietta Maria Petrosino thanks
I am particularly honored and grateful for the honor that has been conferred on me. I also express to you, Your Excellency, my sincere gratitude for the words with which you accompanied this recognition.

Since no goal is achieved alone, I am also grateful to all the collaborators, donors, supporters and Italian friends who support me in this humanitarian activity. I also thank the Italian Caritas and all the other diocesan Caritas that continue to support me. I also greet everyone present.

My name is Antonietta Maria Petrosino, originally from Puglia and a nun Adorer of the Blood of Christ.

I was in Croatia when the 1991-95 war began and I immediately offered my availability to assist and accompany the victims of war disagreements, and to help them find hope.

This is how the Foundation was born that bears the name of Rehobot, a well from the Old Testament, where Jews and Philistines did not come to conflict; Rehobot means free spaces and the Foundation has been and continues to be a space of welcome and meetings respecting differences and belonging.

A place where, for many years, wonderful stories of generosity, friendships, courage and exchanges of gifts of all kinds have intertwined. The Foundation operates in Croatia and in other countries of south-eastern Europe.

All projects are a response to the needs of the moment. During the war they were reconstruction, demining, health and distribution of basic necessities projects; today they are mostly education and training projects aimed at integrating young people into the world of work to avoid falling into welfare.

Despite my advanced age, I coordinate and follow the individual projects and all the activities of the Foundation.

This recognition is for me not only a sign of appreciation for my service, but above all a commitment to continue this humanitarian activity to weave and strengthen the relationships of friendship and collaboration between Italy and Croatia.

I am confident, for the success of the projects, in the help of the many donors and supporters whom I thank again and dedicate this honor to them.