Chile – Salesian Cooperators and actions that contribute to human brotherhood

22 October 2020

(ANS - Iquique) - Throughout 2019 and 2020, Chile has been experiencing two unprecedented events: a severe social crisis and a pandemic that has forced everyone to confine themselves to their homes. But these events did not prevent the Salesian Cooperators (SSCC) from continuing to maintain community life and to help those most in need.

When the pandemic arrived in Chile, the Salesian Cooperators sent a letter to the local communities inviting them to carry out various initiatives. Among the first, there was that of encouraging - with a message of affection - closeness and hope for those who were most vulnerable and depressed, as well as being attentive to the needs of the poorest and therefore persevering in the works of spiritual and corporal mercy.

The community of Salesian Cooperators of Iquique has maintained its contribution to the “Divine Providence” solidarity table at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine in the city, a place that continues to serve 70 to 80 people living in the streets and people affected by Covid 19 and its consequences.

One of the most significant aids that the group made was in Santiago, where it channeled an important donation of food to the "Domenico Savio" parish of San Ramón, to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) and to the "community pots" of the municipality by El Bosque.

In general, most of the communities in the country have been concerned with supporting the "community pots", or food kitchens, that have proliferated throughout Chile.

The Salesian Cooperators understand their apostolate of solidarity as part of their group mission part of the Salesian Family and of the Church, and they believe that as lay people they must be especially supportive wherever they are, making the "spirituality of daily life" a given fact and task.

For Sergio Yañez, National Coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators, it would be inconsistent to be alienated, or ddetached, from the current national context. "As Christians, we must express ourselves politically in view of the common good, especially since today it is imperative to be a serious contribution to help 'dream' the country we want," he said.

“The communion of the Salesian Family is expressed in the sharing of life and mission. It is something indispensable to continue to help - not only those affected by this pandemic, and to contribute to the construction of the Kingdom of God in a permanent way, by looking especially to the salvation of young people - those who must be the protagonists to deal with the humanitarian difficulties of any reach and to give meaning to life, as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. Without neglecting, of course, our presence in the world, as an 'outgoing Church'," he concluded.

InfoANS

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.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".