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A Schoenstatt social project in Burundi
Nachrichten - News - Noticias
 published: 2008-03-11

Mariya Arafasha

A Schoenstatt social project in Burundi: to help the Christ that suffers today

 
P. Deogratias Marahukiro mit Kindern

P. Deogratias Marahukiro con niños

Fr. Deogratias Marahukiro with children

P. Deogratias Marahukiro mit Kindern

 

Arbeiten am werdenden Zentrum Maria Friedenskönigin

Trabajando en el futuro centro Maria Reina de paz

Working at the future center Mary Queen of peace

Arbeiten am werdenden Zentrum Maria Friedenskönigin

 
Hilfe für die Ärmsten und Schwächsten  

Ayudar a los más necesitados

Helping the most needy ones

Hilfe für die Ärmsten und Schwächsten

 
Sie nennen sich Kinder der Gottesmutter  

Niños de María

Children of Mary

Sie nennen sich Kinder der Gottesmutter

 
Ich brauche dich...  

Necesito de tí...

I need you...

Ich brauche dich...

 
Ich brauche dich...  

 

 
Freiwillige aus Spanien und Portugal

Voluntarios de España y Portugal

Volunteers from Spain and Portugal

Freiwillige aus Spanien und Portugal

Fotos: Marahukiro © 2008

 
   
 

Fotos: © 2008

 

BURUNDI, Father Deogratias Marahukiro, Mariya Arafasha: No, this is not a Schoenstatt biography from Burundi. Maryia Arafasha is the Burundian name of a foundation meaning in English, Mary helps. The Church has always been close to the poor, and it has continued to be so throughout the centuries. The Church only follows the message of Him who identified with the poor and who said: "I was naked and you clothed me, I was hungry and you gave me to eat." (Matt.25:35-36) All the help that is given to the poor, no matter how small, is help given to this Christ who suffers today.

The situation of poverty Burundi suffers from is well known. It is a country that is classified among the five poorest on the planet. It is a country overcoming with difficulty a civil war, and it is also a country, it’s necessary to say, in which the political class is corroded by corruption and many kinds of conflicts. Today Burundi needs to be rebuilt in the spiritual sphere as well as the moral, social, and economic spheres. The Church tries to do its best, but it needs help. In Schoenstatt a social work has begun entitled, Mariya Arafasha Foundation or Mary Helps. It is a work of the Blessed Mother. She wants to help Christ who is suffering today. This work of Mary is helping street children who have now adopted another name, they are Mary’s children. They are helped to regain their dignity as persons. At the same time, beggars who live on the streets as a result of the lack of resources are also helped. There is another project that takes care of orphaned children who cannot continue their studies except by paying them a stipend. Today it is a great joy to see these ex-street children. It is impressive to see their joy and how they have truly begun a new life. There is a great difference between what they were last year and what they are now. The majority of them go to school and the older ones learn a trade. Some of them have recently made their First Communion, and the rest are preparing for Baptism. These children are beginning a better future; they begin to believe that it’s possible to be like others, to study, and work like others. If only you knew how much joy your help gives; you would also be filled with joy.

"Queen of Peace" Center

In 2008 the foundation, Mariya Arafasha, was established with hope and with many activities. We want to begin to build the Queen of Peace Center. At first this center will shelter an orphanage (boarders) for "Mary’s children" (ex- street children) and for other orphans who will be welcomed there. If there are sufficient funds this center will help about 100 children and youth. We also want to build a technical school so these children and other youth can learn a trade. Furthermore, the technical training will create a source of employment in a country in which labor strikes and poverty have reached a high degree. Later if God allows it, other public works will be built for the purpose of promoting education for everyone and as a contribution for the consolidation of peace.

Presently, we are happy to have the help of a Spanish youth. His name is Joaquin Zuazo and he belongs to the Schoenstatt Family in Madrid. He will be a great help throughout the year in the building of the Queen of Peace Center. There are also two Portuguese youth helping. The three of them will stay in Burundi for a year. At least this year is full of hope.

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA/amj

 

 

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