(Bratislava) – A small farm bearing the name of St. John Paul II has recently opened its gates to homeless people in the Diocese of Banska Bystrica. The project initiated and run by the Catholic NGO “The Good Shepherd” offers men in need a chance not only to leave behind their old lifestyle full of hopelessness and desperation, but also to deepen their faith in God. “The aim of the service is to provide a therapy in two ways – through work as well as through prayer”, explains Fr. Martin Dado, director of the bishopric. The farm premises have been blessed by Bishop Marian Chovanec. The altar of the newly built local chapel, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, houses the relics of St. John Paul II. Msgr. Chovanec points out that this social project focused on farming is very symbolical in regard to its spiritual meaning: “the Catholic Church, through the unselfish help of priests and volunteers, keeps gathering the lost sheep – marginalised people in need”. The farm in Bzovik provides accommodation and work opportunities to forty homeless people, and the initiators of the project hope to give new spiritual and existential direction to their lives.