Admission
Collegio S. Lorenzo da Brindisi
2011-2012

For foreigners who are not a part of the European Union

In order to receive an Invitation from the Collegio to obtain a Visa, we must first pre-register your friars at one of the Roman Universities.  To do this, we will need the completed form for Admission mentioned above (which is also included in this mailing) as well as:

1.  A valid copy of his passport
         (clear and legible – e-mail scans have proven the best method)
2.  The application for a Study Grant, if this is being sought
3.  Complete COPIES of transcripts of previous studies for the friar requesting admission (i.e., all Philosophy and Theological courses completed with the corresponding academic grades and diploma granted) -- in essence, all of his academic records.  At this early point, copies are fine and most ministers send them by fax or e-mail.  Remember:  originals of ALL documents must be brought by the friars themselves to Italy for registration at the start of their academic year.

          --- Students who do not know the Italian language must be in Rome by 26 April 2011 (no later than 30 April) .  The Collegio has organized a required program of study in the Italian language which plans for 4 months of lessons (May through August), followed by a month of experience in various Capuchin friaries of the Italian Provinces (September).   The General Minister has established that a “good knowledge” of the Italian language is the ‘conditio sine qua non’ for the friar students who live at the Collegio and who, ultimately, register at the various Universities here.  Beyond the demands for fraternal living, some Universities, such as the Gregoriana and the Salesiana, have required examinations in the language prior to admission.

          ---A major change for us in recent years is that we now ask the friars to obtain the “Visa – Type ‘D’” for the intention of "religious motives" (‘motivi religiosi); this visa allows the friars to obtain a residence permit for two years, rather than having to renew it every year.  It is certainly a cost-saving benefit for the friar student.  This, however, also demands that the friars make no mention of their "studies" in Rome, but rather their "assignment to live at our friary here in Rome."  The local Questura assures us that this is the best way for religious to pursue their residency permits.

          ---Again, we stress to you that it is important that the new friar student carry with him all original documents of his completed studies (signed and sealed by the schools) when he arrives here to enable his registration at one of the Roman Universities.

Medical considerations

          There is one question on the medical form of utmost importance.  It simply asks if there are any medical conditions from which the friar suffers.  Most ministers, perhaps, simply state, “No,” but we have received friars who, once they are in Italy, begin to reveal either chronic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure) or benign conditions which should have been treated prior to their arrival (bouts of malaria, stomach distress or dental needs, e.g.). 

          For the sake of the friar and of the energy necessary for study, we encourage the ministers to have the friars undergo a thorough medical examination prior to their arrival in Italy.  If there are any conditions needing attention, friars should take the time they have in their own countries to address these problems.  Our experience shows that friars have had to waste time being doctored in a foreign country with doctors foreign to them (this includes necessary dental work!) because they decided to wait until they were in Italy.  While the choice is yours, we highly encourage you to allow the friars to arrive in Italy healthy and ready for the ministry asked of them.

Choice of University

       The Collegio does not guarantee transportation for schools, like the Camillianum or the Teresianum, which are practically impossible to reach by our bus service. Superiors who intend to chose these schools for their friars must provide them the necessary means to reach them (stipend for public travel, motorcycle or car).