Community. Faith. Dialogue. Learning.
All of these animate life at The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas—an oasis in the centre of historic Rome.
Serving as a residential community for students attending  pontifical universities and visiting scholars, The Lay Centre is dedicated to the formation of the laity and to the promotion of the lay vocation in the Church and in the world.
Intrinsically Catholic, The Lay Centre has a strong commitment to promote Christian unity and creates opportunities for genuine encounter and sincere dialogue with people of all religions.
The Lay Centre’s enriching international programs and local conferences feature high-calibre speakers and draw laity from Rome and abroad.

Donna Orsuto is a professor of spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Originally from the United States, she also lectures and gives retreats worldwide. She has authored two books and numerous articles in the area of spirituality. Active in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, Dr. Orsuto served a term as a consultor for the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and is currently a member of Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue of the Diocese of Rome. Pope Benedict XVI named her a Dame of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great in 2011.

The Lay Centre offers quiet rooms in a safe and welcoming environment, three meals daily, Internet and telephone connectivity to students attending pontifical universities in Rome and visiting scholars, between 1 October and 30 June. Students who live at The Lay Centre are eager to share in an active community life; dialogue with other international students from different faiths; partake in the spiritual life of the centre; and participate in the service of hospitality that is part of The Lay Centre mission.

Meet some of The Lay Centre alumni, who helped us grow into a vibrant and welcoming community.

The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas relies on the generosity of its friends to continue its unique mission in the Church and in the world. We thank you for your gift, large or small.