During the two university semesters, Fribourg posted an occupancy rate of 100%. The 202 rooms, spread over two houses and two buildings, are increasingly being allocated before the start of the contractual periods. For the autumn semester, we had to turn down a considerable number of requests for accommodation.

During the winter inter-semester, we welcomed a group from the United States. In summer, two other American groups and a group from the Haute École de Gestion stayed at St-Justin. In 2024, we welcomed students of 52 nationalities (see SA statistics). The traditional welcome aperitif took place at the beginning of October, just after the information evening for new residents. Volunteers rounded out the Student Council, which organized and hosted meetings and parties throughout the academic year. The “Swiss taste and touch” raclette evening prepared by Swiss students was a great success. Residents were able to discover Switzerland from different angles (culi- nary, musical, geographical and political). The evening was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and forge links between residents. The St Nicolas party was a convivial occasion that brought together friends, neighbors, staff and residents of the Cité St-Justin for Christmas tea and mulled wine, as well as pancakes made by the Student Council. The traditional outdoor games evening and spring barbecue were drowned out by a gloomy spring. Only the hike to Lac-Noir was able to take place between two showers. The feast of St Rita and the feast of St Justin brought the spring semester to a close, bringing together many friends and devotees for a mass, followed by a meal or aperitif-dinner.

Thanks to the Student Council! It has made it possible to meet, exchange and make friends in the Cité – three ingredients that keep the spirit of St. Justin alive by fostering tolerance and solidarity in student community life.

As for our 6 tenant institutions (University, HEdS, OrTra, Délif, accueil extrascolaire de la Ville de Fribourg), the OrTra vocational training program left us in July. This departure provided the opportunity to start renovating the building envelope at Rue de Rome 2 and 3. New windows and extensive all-round insulation will significantly improve the energy balance of these buildings. Not all the work had been completed by the end of 2024, as planned, but at the end of December, it was clear that the renovation had been well integrated into the site.

In parallel, another project was completed during 2024 – that of Villa Jura 11. The oil heating system was replaced with a connection to district heating, and the entire exterior was renovated. This Villa, with Orthodox frescoes covering the entire northeast façade, is a jewel in the Foundation’s heritage.

“ The student city ”

The staff of housekeeping, janitorial services, reception, and pastoral care in Fribourg represents a total of 12.2 FTE (full-time equivalents). In June, Enrique Murillo left the reception team to finish his studies. Our well-appreciated collaborator worked for 2 years as an auxiliary receptionist at 30%.

At the staff dinner in December, we were able to thank Daniel Reber, who stepped down as concierge at the end of the year after 3 years of loyal service. François Julmy was welcomed as the new Concierge in charge of our Foundation.

Our staff has devoted themselves wholeheartedly to making the Cité welcoming and pleasant to live in. The reality of the construction site in the middle of the premises required a great deal of flexibility from all involved. Thank you to the entire Fribourg team!

The St-Justin Chapel, Our Lady of Good Counsel, remains a spiritual place at the heart of the City of Fribourg. Adriana Ruegsegger takes care of the Ste-Rita boutique and the chapel, which brings together various groups and communities for mass or prayers throughout the week. Many faithful stop by for a moment of prayer and devotion. Every Sunday evening, an Eucharist is celebrated, welcoming residents of the Cité and the surrounding neighborhoods.

On the initiative of Anne-Elisabeth Cattaneo, a prayer for and with the staff has been established every Wednesday at noon to entrust the mission and the staff of the Foundation to God’s protection and providence.

Jean-Marc Wild