Ecuador - Hundreds of needy senior citizens celebrate the feast of the Epiphany

10 January 2017

(ANS - Quito) - To celebrate the Epiphany and the tradition of the Magi, the Salesian parish of Mary Help of Christians in the El Girón district of Quito organized a lunch with over 600 disadvantaged senior citizens from the different neighbourhoods and areas of the entire city. The celebration was held in joy, animated by music and hope founded in the birth of Jesus.

The aim of the event was for the elderly to enjoy a moment of relaxation. A programme was prepared to make the guests feel at home.  Activities began at 9.00 a.m. with physiotherapy sessions followed by the screening of a video on the Fourth Wise Man.

The celebration usually includes a procession with a statue of the baby Jesus through the streets of the parish, but because of the rain, this year’s procession was held inside the church, but with the same spirit of faith and devotion, joy and song. The day was attended by numerous volunteers from the Social Ministry group. They did the cooking and also acted the parts of Mary, Joseph and the angels.

The Parish Priest, Fr Ángel Marquina, presided at the Eucharist. He explained the significance of each of the gifts that the wise men bring to Jesus and spoke of the unconditional love of God for each person.

Th music group "Vox Nova" gave a concert for the elderly. This was followed by a festive meal, prepared with care by more than 100 volunteers from the Social Ministry group.

At the end of the event all the guests were given a bag with food, clothes and sweets, that they could share with their families.

In several of his talks the Holy Father has said that "a people that does not care for and respect the elderly has no future."

The activities organized by the Salesian parish are intended to help those most in need and continue the legacy of Don Bosco to work for the most disadvantaged in society, in particular those to whom no one gives importance: the elderly.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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