What is The Lay Centre?
The Lay Centre is both a residential community and a provider of short-term programs directed at lay people. It was founded in 1986 by Donna Orsuto and Riekie Van Velzen, and it is based in Rome. Read more on our About Us page.
We are here to inspire and prepare future leaders to serve the Church and the world. Today, we offer lay women and men a meaningful experience of community life as well as impactful programs for human, spiritual, intellectual and professional development.
“The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas Institute” is a non-profit organization sustained entirely by the generosity of its benefactors, whether individuals or philanthropic foundations.
Who lives at The Lay Centre?
Our residential community is made up, for the most part, of lay students from the pontifical universities in Rome. However, we also welcome guest professors, visiting scholars and young professionals who serve Holy See institutions or Catholic organizations.
The Lay Centre is a Catholic organization, open to welcoming non-Catholics as well, in a spirit of fraternity and friendship.
We are an international community. It is not uncommon for members of our community to come from more than 15 different countries. We have two official languages, English and Italian.
The people who live in our community come on a temporary basis, during the time they are studying at the pontifical universities in Rome, carrying out research projects or volunteering in ecclesial organizations. This can last from six months to a few years.
How can I join The Lay Centre?
Our residential community is made up, for the most part, of lay students from the pontifical universities in Rome. However, we also welcome guest professors, visiting scholars and young professionals who serve Holy See The Lay Centre is more than just a residence for students in Rome. We are a community founded on faith, dialogue, hospitality and the care for each other and our common home. On this page you will find everything you need to know about how to join The Lay Centre.
How much does it cost to live at The Lay Centre?
As we are a non-profit organization with a Catholic identity, we avoid a purely commercial approach to the life and hospitality offered by The Lay Centre. Therefore, we do not put a price on what we offer here.
The situation of each resident of our community varies, as some come with external scholarships, others are financed by their family, their Diocese or the university itself.
We evaluate case by case and most residents make a contribution to help with room and board costs and training programs offered by The Lay Centre.
We recommend our “How to Join” page to reflect on all the essentials of life at The Lay Centre.
Does The Lay Centre have guest rooms?
Today The Lay Centre is located in the premises of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (Passionists), in the historic center of Rome. We can accommodate just over 20 people at a time, therefore, the number of rooms at our disposal is limited.
When there are vacant rooms, we evaluate the possibility of accommodating guests who intend to stay in Rome for at least a month. We also evaluate on a case-by-case basis welcoming as guests relatives of our residents or our own alumni.
For short stays, we would rather recommend guest houses or religious houses that have structures that are more suitable for tourists and pilgrims.
Is it worth studying in Rome?
The general answer is: Yes! But, of course, each person needs to evaluate their personal situation, their individual plans, their academic journey, as well as their family and economic situation. It is a question that should be discerned before God.
What we can say is that everyone who passes through The Lay Center leaves as a different person. Rome is a difficult city, sometimes a little chaotic, but it also has an unparalleled historical, cultural and spiritual beauty.
Many foreign students, particularly lay people, find it difficult to overcome the challenges of Roman life on their own, from bureaucracy to household chores, in addition to coordinating work, study, and personal relationships.
The Lay Centre seeks to minimize that impact on those who pass through here, helping with many bureaucratic resolutions and offering day-to-day services. Above all, The Lay Centre offers a community context of collaboration, prayer and active social life.