Religion: The Little Apostles

The village of Nomadelphia, near the northern Italian city of Modena, has a population of about 1,000—mostly children. When anyone there wants food, clothing or cigarettes, he takes what he likes from the common supply. When anyone wants money for dealings with the outside world, he draws it from the common cash box. Says Don Zeno Saltini, "We have no locks. We live according to the Christian principle of ask and you shall receive."

Round-faced, grey-haired little Don Zeno, 50, is the founder and sparkplug of Nomadelphia, which means "Town of Brotherhood." His followers call themselves the Piccoli Apostoli (Little Apostles)....

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