FATIMA HOUSE ~ Streatham
Early in 1951 Archbishop Cowderoy of Southwark came on a visit to St. Augustine's Priory, where Fr. Paul Bidone was staying at that time, and asked if he would like to start a home for the aged in his diocese. No funds were available but, undaunted, Fr. Paul discovered a dilapidated Victorian house with an adjoining garage and, with the help of a small committee, acquired 40 Christchurch Road, Streatham, London which became the first project of The Sons of Divine Providence in England after the war.
40 Christchurch Road, Streatham
On 2nd February 1952 Fr. Bidone moved in after one room had been cleaned and some order restored to the kitchen. Building materials were scarce but to his rescue came Stephen Tomei, descendant of an Italian building who had settled in England and had a large family business. He remained as friend and adviser through all the early years and created the first chapel from the garage of No. 40.
Here Fr. Joseph Tirello arrived as a volunteer from the community in Italy in 1954. About this time also came Celestine Del Bianco who was a carpenter and always busy on the many tasks in the house.
Just as No. 40 Christchurch Road celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1962 a development scheme was put forward by the LCC to clear the area and build a large housing complex on this site. There were many objectors to the scheme particularly from the Friends of Don Orione who were concerned about the future of the residents in a house full to capacity. The taking over of the scheme resulted in a welcome postponement of the closure and gave time to raise funds for the replacement house to be built at Hampton Wick later named Orione House.
In 1970 an appeal was launched in order to acquire 38 Palace Road on Streatham Hill nearby as a "temporary measure". However as time went on it became permanent for the displaced gentlemen and who enjoyed the large garden which gave a pleasant rural atmosphere to the house in suburban London.
Fatima House ~ 38 Palace Road in 1939
The house was restored and renovated in 1982 and the new Chapel was completed and consecrated in 1983 with many of the fittings brought from the original Chapel of Christchurch Road. There was a large, well-stocked garden and the lounge looked out over trees and flowers.
Front of Fatima House - 38 Palace Road,
38 Palace Road was a large Victorian house but with the arrival of the government’s new Care Standards Act 2000 it became apparent that the size of the rooms would not comply with these new standards, so in December 2002 the home closed and alternative accommodation was provided for the residents.
The home was taken over by an organisation, St. Mungo’s who care for the homeless so the work so loved by Don Orione will continue here helping the marginalized.