By © Leandro Neumann Ciuffo
We are delighted to welcome the Istituto di Promozione Umana – Fondazione Mons. Francesco Di Vincenzo into the network of the Routes of the Olive Tree. Based in Enna, in the heart of inland Sicily, the Foundation stands as a living legacy of Mons. Francesco Di Vincenzo — a priest, educator, and tireless advocate for the dignity of every human being.
Born from Monsignore Di Vincenzo’s strong will and spiritual testament to his community, the Foundation was established in the 1990s with the active support of the Comunità Rinnovamento nello Spirito “Ancilla Dei”. Deeply inspired by his vision, the Foundation carries forward a mission rooted in Christian humanism, civic responsibility, and service to the most vulnerable— a moral and social beacon for an entire territory. Through his efforts, the community understood that social inclusion, cultural identity, and spiritual growth are inseparable dimensions of true development.
Over the past decades, the Foundation- now under the direction of Professor Salvatore Martinez – has become a catalyst for social innovation and cultural revival in central Sicily. Among its many initiatives:
- Vocational training and empowerment programs for young people, women, migrants, and former detainees;
- Educational and artisan workshops in traditional crafts, sustainable agriculture, and local entrepreneurship, particularly through the Polo di Eccellenza “Don Luigi Sturzo” in Caltagirone;
- Cultural and spiritual initiatives that include conferences, community events, and interfaith dialogues;
- European and national partnerships with universities, municipalities, diocesan offices, and NGOs working for social cohesion.
A special mention goes to Casa Zingale–Aquino in Aidone, which serves as a home and training center for unaccompanied minors and refugees, embodying the Foundation’s commitment to intercultural dialogue and Mediterranean hospitality.
Today, as it joins the Routes of the Olive Tree, the Foundation brings with it a wealth of spiritual legacy, cultural heritage, and social engagement. This partnership opens new pathways to promote rural Mediterranean communities, strengthen heritage-led development, and celebrate the resilience and creativity of those who build peace through daily acts of care and solidarity.
The Foundation’s integration into the Routes of the Olive Tree family marks a meaningful convergence of values: respect for human life, care for the land, promotion of peace, and cultural exchange. Through this collaboration, we hope to build new bridges between rural Mediterranean communities, support heritage-based development, and give voice to stories of resilience and hope rooted in olive-growing territories.
Together, we reaffirm that the olive tree is not only a symbol of peace, but also a living thread connecting people, memory, and future across the Mediterranean basin.