Posted On 2015-11-29 In Schoenstatt - Reaching out

Lisbon Schoenstatt Movement’s project of solidarity

PORTUGAL, www.schoenstatt.pt

Even though every family of refugees has a different story, and it involves a unique testimony of loss and sorrow, they have a common characteristic: perseverance and the will the build their lives wherever they feel welcomed.

In the face of the greatest refugee crisis that the world has seen since World War II and the tragedies that have occurred in the Mediterranean, a strong call to welcome and incorporate a refugee family into the Lisbon Family community has emerged in Schoenstatt. It is also a response to the commitment requested by the Pope and by the entire Church that appeals to each family and to the members of the Schoenstatt Movement.

How?

This shelter will last for two years. This kind of family consists of five people (father, mother and three children). It will be carried out within the context of the PAR FAMILIAS (Platform of Support for Refugees), which means that the Movement will collaborate with other organizations and institutions that also embrace this project. On 14 October, the Lisbon Schoenstatt Association and PAR (www.refugiados.pt) signed a protocol in this regard.

Help

Everyone is called to contribute what they can, be it through financial contributions, manual labor, transferring a house or any other in-kind donation. The important thing is that everyone is aware of this crisis and to help in whatever way they can.

In this initial phase, the priority will be to guarantee lodging to the family that will be sheltered. It is necessary to find an apartment in the Belém/Trestelo area that has a deed of transfer or is for rent for an amount that will be sustained with donations that we hope to obtain from all of us.

In 1917, Our Lady entrusted the mission to pray for the end of war and for all its victims to three little shepherd children. Everyone in the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement is also called to this mission. We have the Christian and human obligation to do more for these people. May the hearts of all those who recognize themselves in this desire be lifted in prayer, doing the best possible to end the suffering of these families!

Contact: acolherumafamilia@gmail.com

Original: Portuguese. Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA – Edit: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
Foto: iStock/Getty Images. Licensed for schoenstatt.org

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