Villa Aurora, the Adventist University of the Italian Union, is a beloved haven for its students, but the facilities are becoming inadequate for its growth. Please consider giving to the 13th Sabbath Offering to help with renovations.
In the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by rolling hills and Renaissance beauty, sits one of Italy’s most historic cities.
Florence is known for its art, architecture, and centuries of history.
Just outside the city center, nestled among trees and overlooking the Tuscan countryside, stands Villa Aurora, the Adventist University of the Italian Union.
Founded as a theological seminary in 1940, Villa Aurora has grown into a center for theological study, cultural exchange, and spiritual formation for students from Italy and around the world.
"Schools are not only factories for pastors. They are places of reflection, expanding thought and of developing theological and cultural thinking." —Gioele
For the Adventist Church in Italy, a union of fewer than 10,000 members, Villa Aurora plays a vital role. Here, students prepare for ministry, grow in their faith, and learn how to engage with the culture around them.
"What you learn on an Adventist campus is much more than just education. It’s a safe place to share doubts and questions about what you believe and to grow." —Nicolo
"Studying here has been the best experience I’ve ever had. It’s challenging sometimes, but if you accept the challenge and enjoy it, you gain treasures for the rest of your life." —Michael
As enrollment has grown, so has the need for space. One of the historic campus buildings is in need of renovations to help provide more rooms for students. The renovation comes with unique challenges. Many of the campus buildings are part of a protected 14th-century villa, which means every update must preserve its historic structure, increasing both cost and complexity.
"With the idea of remodeling one of our buildings and creating more space, the school can offer more students the possibility to experience our lifestyle here and not feel so far away from home, but finding a place they can call home." —Nicolo
Through the support of this quarter’s 13th Sabbath Offering, you can be a part of helping make this vision possible.
"The institute would not be able, with its own strength, to renovate a building to expand its dormitories. The portion of the 13th Sabbath Offering is absolutely indispensable.
As the Italian Union, first of all, but also as Villa Aurora University Institute, we are truly grateful to the Lord and to the world church for the support that it will give us to carry forward this project. This will allow us to continue transmitting the educational values of the Adventist Church to our students." —Gioele
In a city known for shaping history through art and culture, Villa Aurora is shaping lives through faith, education, and community. Thank you for your support of mission around the globe.
