Costa Rica – The Seniors of the Salesians, a divine treasure to thank for

17 March 2020

(ANS - San José- "The family is not chosen," wrote Desmond Tutu,  "because it is a gift of God for you, as you are for each of its members." In fact, we are all born into a family. Pope Francis has already said so several times: "The family is a precious treasure. It must always be supported and protected." For the Salesians of Don Bosco the family is an essential substance in the formative process and throughout one's lifetime. The Salesian community of the Casa de la Salud, in Costa Rica, in the context of the care and accompaniment of elderly Salesians, received family members of its guests.

The convocation brought together the families of several Salesians as part of an event that was attended to by the health professionals who accompany the religious with the specific care that each of them requires.

Families were offered some "capsules of Salesian spirituality", shared a good coffee, listened carefully to the medical records of each Salesian and took note of the state in which they, the seniors, find themselves, and the care and attention that nurses and doctors affectionately dedicate to them. The family members also learned about the protocols for emergency assistance and the requirements that must be met by state hospitals and legal bodies, as well as the details of the Casa de la Salud of El Salvador.

Old age is a phase of positive life like all the others and full of many satisfactions. For the Central American Province (CAM) and for communities, the well-being and quality of life of the elderly represent an important challenge. As in families when it is parents who get old, here too there can be no doubts about how to help.

Firstly, through the presence and support that many Salesians and communities give when they visit the Casa de la Salud, animating and encouraging these men who have given everything for the young. From the CAM Province one thanks with authentic gratitude the various and many professionals who continue to support this precious and delicate project.

The meeting ended by answering doubts, questions and comments. For the Salesians living in the Casa de la Salud, the visit was a cause of great joy.

"We have to thank the community and the team of lay people for the excellent meeting in a family atmosphere. It gives us great satisfaction and peace to know and see the good treatment, attention and affection they reserve for the elderly," the Jinesta family testified.

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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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