Bruno Serato, a beacon of hope and kindness, recently had a heartwarming encounter with Pope Francis, where he proudly showcased his charitable work—a testament to his unwavering spirit. After facing a challenging setback when a fire consumed his beloved restaurant in California, Bruno discovered a silver crucifix among the ashes. This profound moment, which he saw as a sign from God, reignited his faith and determination to continue his mission of compassion.

Today, Bruno stands as a shining example of generosity in Anaheim, where he has opened a new restaurant location. With a heart full of love, he serves the affluent in the evenings to fund meals for the less fortunate during the day. This beautiful cycle of giving showcases his commitment to uplifting his community.

Bruno's remarkable journey has not gone unnoticed. He was honored as a CNN Hero in 2011 for his tireless efforts in feeding underprivileged children. His charity, Caterina’s Club, founded in 2005, now provides free dinners to over 5,000 children daily in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Every delightful meal served at his elegant Anaheim White House contributes to nourishing a child in need, creating a ripple effect of goodness.

As his charity prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary this October, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the significant impact made, the challenges conquered, and the countless cherished moments shared with the community.

Bruno recalls the emotional moment when a firefighter presented him with the crucifix, a gift from Pope Francis. This encounter, along with his four meetings with the Pope, has profoundly influenced his life and work. During their last meeting, the Pope encouraged him with a heartfelt “Bravo, bravo, continua così,” meaning “continue like this.” Bruno embraced this encouragement as both a blessing and a call to action, inspiring him to expand his efforts to help those in need.

With a spirit as vibrant as ever, Bruno is dedicated to continuing his mission of compassion. His commitment to serving others is a beautiful tribute to the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is renowned for his love and support for the poor.

Join in sharing this uplifting story of Bruno Serato and his noble mission, as he inspires us all to spread goodness in our own communities.