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  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta, founder of Casa Rut, poses for a portrait by the makeshift altar at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5789.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta, founder of Casa Rut, poses for a portrait by the makeshift altar at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5801.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta, founder of Casa Rut, poses for a portrait by the makeshift altar at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5798.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta, founder of Casa Rut, poses for a portrait by the makeshift altar at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5786.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Miniatures of the African continent and of the Holy Mary are here in Sister Rita Giaretta's office at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5674.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta (center) is here during an interview at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5630.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta (center) is here during an interview at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5629.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: (L-R) Two Nigerian ex-sex workers and an Ursuline sister pray before lunch at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5603.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta (center), founder of Casa Rut and of the New Hope tailor's shop, listens to a young immigrant woman at the tailoring studio in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5084.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis whispers something to her brother Antonio (94), while her sister Consolata (right, 106 years old) gesticulates, at her 100th birthday party in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1992.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: (R-L)  Consolata Melis (106) talks with her brothers Antonio (94) and Adolfo (90) during an interview in her hourse the day before her sister Claudina's 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_9988.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: (R-L)  Consolata Melis (106) talks with her brother Antonio (94) during an interview in her hourse the day before her sister Claudina's 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0248.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta (center), founder of Casa Rut and of the New Hope tailor's shop, listens to a young immigrant woman at the tailoring studio in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5537.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta, founder of Casa Rut and of the New Hope tailor's shop, listens to a young immigrant woman at the tailoring studio in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5518.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker sews fabrics for an arm chair caddy, as Sister Giaretta checks a handmade scarf at the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5463.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis, sitting in the fron row second from right - next to her 106 years old sister Consolata, participates at the mass celebrating her 100th birthday in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1628.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis (center) sits in the front row of St. Peter's church where a mass celebrating her 100th birthday is about to start, in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013. On the far left, her son Fabio greets his aunt Consolata (Claudina's sister) of 106 years old.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1345.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: The door bell of Consolata Melis (106), the oldest of the Melis family, the day before her sister Claudina's 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_9918.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: Vitalio Melis, a 87 years old retired postman, looks outside the door of his sister Claudina's house the day before her 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0503.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: (R-L)  Consolata Melis (106) laughs  during an interview in her hourse the day before her sister Claudina's 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0251.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta (center), founder of Casa Rut and of the New Hope tailor's shop, talks to volunteers at the tailoring studio in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5150.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sister Rita Giaretta, founder of Casa Rut and of the New Hope ethnic tailor's shop, is here at the Bottega Fantasia (Fantasy Store), where handmade products made by ex-sex workers are sold in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5045.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A teady bear and the suitcases belonging to a departing Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker are here in her room at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women, with a stuffed given  in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015. The Ursuline Sisters of Casa Rut give the young abused women a teady bear upong their arrival at the shelter.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5866.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A woman walks up the stairs of the apartment building leading to Casa Ruta, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5882.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant and ex-sex worker poses for a portrait in the chappel of Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women where she is hosted in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5841.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant and ex-sex worker poses for a portrait in the chappel of Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women where she is hosted in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5823.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A bible lays on a djembe in the makeshift altar of the chappel at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5804.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A makeshift altar is here in the chappel of Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5765.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian woman makes braids for her fellow countrywoman at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015. Both women are ex-sex workers staying at Casa Rut.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5697.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A visual diary of Casa Rut from 1996, the year of its foundation to 2000, hangs on a living room furniture at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5641.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A table set for lunch is here in one of the rooms of Casa Ruta, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5575.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant and ex-sex worker poses for a portrait in the chappel of Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women where she is hosted in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5832.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A photograph of Pope Francis greeting Monsignor Raffaele Nogaro, promoter of Casa Rut, during his visit in Caserta in July 2014, is here on shelf  at Casa Rut, a shelter for abused young immigrant women in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
Casa Rut was founded in 1995 and it is promoted and managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Breganze (Vicenza, Italy).  Casa Rut's goal is to provide young immigrant women a familiar environment where  they are helped to protect and free themselves, and to undertake a common path aiming to the integration in Italy's society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5635.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Massimo Lai holds her newborn Benedetta Lai, born 100 years after her great-grandmother Claudina Melis, during the mass celebrating Claudina's 100th birthday in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1510.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: A group of elderly men chat in a square in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0436.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: The wedding dress of Consolata Melis from 1926 lays here in a bed in her bedroom in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0092.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: A wedding picture of Consolata Melis (106, here at age 18) with her now deceased husband Francesco Lai, is here in her house in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0079.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: the storefront of the New Hope ethnic tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, where ex-sex workers helped by nuns make make products with mainly African fabrics, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5565.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Handmade products are displayed inside the Bottega Fantasia (Fantasy store), next to the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, where ex-sex workers helped by nuns make make products with mainly  African fabrics, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5558.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Handmade products are displayed inside the Bottega Fantasia (Fantasy store), next to the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, where ex-sex workers helped by nuns make make products with mainly  African fabrics, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5555.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Handmade products are displayed inside the Bottega Fantasia (Fantasy store), next to the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, where ex-sex workers helped by nuns make make products with mainly  African fabrics, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5508.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Holy Mary medallion and a cross are worn by a Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker that is now working at the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5472.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: Sewing workspaces at the New Hope tailor's shop, where ex-sex workers work in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5441.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker sews fabrics for an arm chair caddy at the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5434.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker sews fabrics for an arm chair caddy at the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5359.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker irons fabrics for an arm chair caddy before being sewed at the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5271.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker sews fabrics for an arm chair caddy at the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5073.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker sews fabrics for an arm chair caddy at the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5033.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: The entrance to the Italian military base now under scrutiny for a possible uranium contamination in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Perdasdefogu, whose economy revolves around an Italian military base now under scrutiny for possible uranium contamination, has lost 500 inhabitants in the past 20 years, dropping to 2,000 people. Today it has two pensioners for every worker, an average age of 47, and an unemployment rate of around 25 percent.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_2302.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Family and friends of the Melis gather to celebrate Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_2295.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Family and friends of the Melis gather to celebrate Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_2286.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Family and friends of the Melis gather to celebrate Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_2250.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Family and friends of the Melis gather to celebrate Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_2227.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis enters a car tht will bring her to her 100th birthday party after the celebrated in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1939.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis steps outside St. Peter's church together with her grandchildren after the mass celebrating her 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1933.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: People wait under a fig tree after the mass celebrating Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1903.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Elderly women step outside St. Peter's church after the mass celebrating Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1896.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Elderly women return to their seat after receiving comunion at the mass celebrating Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1594.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Father Gianmarco Lai, a missionary priest in Madagascar, greets his aunt during the mass celebrating his mother Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1574.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Francesca Lai holds her newborn Benedetta Lai, born 100 years after her great-grandmother Claudina Melis, during the mass celebrating Claudina's 100th birthday in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1445.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: A detail of Claudina Melis'  hands (left) during the mass celebrating her 100th birthday in St- Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1443.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Father Gianmarco Lai (left), a missionary priest in Madagascar, is about to celebrate with his colleague priests his mother Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1404.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Father Gianmarco Lai, a missionary priest in Madagascar, prepares to celebrate his mother Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1395.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Altar boys prepare and priests prepare for the mass celebrating Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1381.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: (L-R) Stefano Lai, 27 (here together with his girlfriend), and his cousing Alberto Lai, 19, walk walk towards the church for the the mass celebrating their grandmother Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013. Stefano Lai is now doing a post-doctoral fellowship in biomedical engineering at the prestigious Scuola Sant’Anna in Pisa. He would like to stay in Sardinia, or even in Italy, but doesn’t have his hopes up. Alberto Lai lives and studies in Perdasdefogu.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1325.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: (L-R) Stefano Lai, 27, and his cousing Alberto Lai, 19, walk in a park the day of their grandmother Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013. Stefano Lai is now doing a post-doctoral fellowship in biomedical engineering at the prestigious Scuola Sant’Anna in Pisa. He would like to stay in Sardinia, or even in Italy, but doesn’t have his hopes up. Alberto Lai lives and studies in Perdasdefogu.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1282.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: (R-L) Flaviano Lai and his brother Francesco move a bench used by the Melis family for the lunch celebrating their grandmother Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1246.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Four generations of the Melis family sit together for lunch to celebrate Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1073.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Guests have lunch together with the Melis family to celebrate Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1018.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: A table set by the Melis family for lunch to celebrate Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0988.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: A view of Perdasdefogu, in the province of Ogliastra, Sardinia, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0974.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: A tree in the hills of of Abbafittania, in the outskirts of Perdasdefogu, nearby the Melis brothers' vegetable garden in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0920.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: (L-R) Brothers Vitalio (87, a retired postman) and Adolfo (90) are here in their vegetable garden in Abbafittania, in the outskirts of Perdasdefogu, the day before Claudia Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0864.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013:  Adolfo Melis (90) is here in his vegetable garden together with his brother Vitalio in Abbafittania, in the outskirts of Perdasdefogu, the day before Claudia Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0851.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: (R-L) Brothers Vitalio (87, a retired postman) and Adolfo Melis (90) enter their vegetable garden in Abbafittania, in the outskirts of Perdasdefogu, the day before Claudia Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0733.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: (R-L) Brothers Vitalio (87, a retired postman) and Adolfo Melis (90) enter their vegetable garden in Abbafittania, in the outskirts of Perdasdefogu, the day before Claudia Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0727.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013:  Members of the Melis family outside Claudina Melis' house the day before her 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0700.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: (L-R) Claudina Melis' sons Fabio Lai (ex mayor of Perdasdefogu), Father Gianmarco Lai (a missionary priest in Madagascar)  the day before their mother's 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0670.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis (99) is here in her home the day before her 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0626.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: The Melis family gathers at Claudina's house the day before her 100th birthday during an interview in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0605.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis (99) talk to her brother Antonio (94) the day before her 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0569.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: An elderly woman and man walk in the main street of Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013. Today Perdasdefogu has two pensioners for every worker, an average age of 47, and an unemployment rate of around 25 percent. Between 2001 and 2011, the number of centenarians in Italy rose 138 percent, and that of nonagenarians rose 78 percent. Today, 20 percent of Italians are over the age of 65.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0458.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: An elderly woman talks with a pedestrian in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0450.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: The interior of the bedroom of the 106 ears old Consolata Melis in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0371.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: Family members of the Melis family unfold their genealogical tree at Conosolata Melis' house in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013. The Melis family descendents now account for about a fourth of the village.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0187.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: Family pictures are here on Consolata Melis' wedding furniture from 1926 (including, from left to right, the portraits of her deceased son Adolfo, her deceased husband Giovanni and her deceased son Antonio) in her house in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0099.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 29 JUNE 2013: the hands of Consolata Melis (106) during an interview in her house in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 29th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130629_NYT_Sardinia__MG_0020.jpg
  • CASTEL GANDOLFO, ITALY - 28 FEBRUARY 2013: Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Castel Gandolfo to spend the final hours of his papacy before retiring in the summer residence used by popes for centuries, on February 28, 2013...On 11 February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI informed the cardinals gathered in Consistory that he had decided to resign the papacy, effective 28 February 2013. Now that Benedict XVI leaves the papacy, he will retire to his summer home in Castel Gandolfo, in the hills outside Rome, before moving to the Mater Ecclesiae convent, a plain, four-story structure built 21 years ago to serve as an international place ?for contemplative life within the walls of Vatican City,? as it is described on a Vatican Web site...###..CASTEL GANDOLFO, ITALIA - 28 FEBBRAIO 2013: Il Papa Benedetto XVI arriva a Castel Gandolfo per trascorrere le ultime ore del suo papato prima di ritirarsi nella residenza estiva usata dai papi da secoli, 28 febbraio 2013...L'11 febbraio 2013 Papa Benedetto XVI ha informato i cardinali riuniti per il concistoro che aveva deciso di lasciare il papato il 28 febbraio 2013. Il Papa si ritira per due mesi a Castel Gandolfo. la residenza estiva dei papi, prima di trasferirsi nel convento "Mater Ecclesiae" nella città del Vaticano.
    CIPG_20130228_ADAC_Pope-Rome__MG_152...jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Holy Mary medallion and a cross are worn by a Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker that is now working at the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5488.jpg
  • CASERTA, ITALY - 25 FEBRUARY 2015: A Nigerian immigrant woman and ex-sex worker irons fabrics for an arm chair caddy before being sewed at the New Hope tailor's shop in Caserta, Italy, on February 25th 2015.<br />
<br />
New Hope is an ethnic tailor's shop that makes a variety of colourful products working mainly african fabrics. The New Hope social cooperative, founded in 2014, promotes a training workshop for your immigrant women, many of which have children, that want to integrate in Italian society.
    CIPG_20150225_INYT_CasaRut__M3_5188.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Family and friends of the Melis gather to celebrate Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_2296.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis (center, sitting next to her siblings - from left to right - Antonio, Consolata and Vitalio) is about to blow the candles for her 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_2097.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Vittorio Palmas (99, turning 100 years old on December 16th) hands a bouquet a roses to Claudina Melis for her 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_2011.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: An elderly man walks in the main street of Perdasdefogu after the mass celebrating Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1949.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis enters a car tht will bring her to her 100th birthday party after the celebrated in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1940.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: A man walks outside St. Peter's church after the mass celebrating Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1904.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Women gather outside St. Peter's church after the mass celebrating Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1899.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: An elderly woman steps outside St. Peter's church after the mass celebrating Claudina Melis' 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1879.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Friends and family greet Claudina Melis (center) at the end of the mass celebrating her 100th birthday in St. Peter's church in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1774.jpg
  • PERDASDEFOGU, SARDINIA, ITALY - 30 JUNE 2013: Claudina Melis is here at St. Peter's church after the mass celebrating her 100th birthday in Perdasdefogu, Italy, on June 30th 2013.<br />
<br />
Last year, the Melis family entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest combined age of any nine living siblings on earth — today more than 825 years. The youngest sibling, Mafalda – the "little one" – is 79 years old.<br />
<br />
The Melis siblings were all born in Perdasdefogu to Francesco Melis and Eleonora Mameli, who had a general store. Consolata, 106, is the oldest, then Claudia, 100; Maria, 98; Antonino, 94; Concetta, 92; Adolfo, 90; Vitalio, 87; Fida Vitalia, 81; and Mafalda, the baby at 79. Their descendants now account for about a third of the village.
    CIPG_20130630_NYT_Sardinia__MG_1710.jpg
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