The crisis is leaving deep marks in the Algarve, at a social level, and should help people to “rethink the foundations on which their lives are based”, namely with regard to values.
Algarve Bishop Dom Manuel Quintas admits that the Church, as well as other institutions, may have to deepen their social work, but also leaves a message of hope for the future.
Dom Manuel Neto Quintas was the guest of this week before Christmas on the radio program «Impressões», organized jointly by Sul Informação and by Rádio Universitária do Algarve RUA FM, which can be heard in its entirety this Saturday, at 12 noon, on 102,7 FM or on www.rua.pt.
“I think this situation was almost a dream awakening. We were all thinking that this could not happen. We all woke up like a dream. This makes us rethink our lifestyle, our options and even our values. Because there are many who say that we have reached this point due to a lack of values, above all due to a lack of ethics in politics, finance and in the whole world», considered Dom Manuel Quintas.
Considering that we live in a world in which «it is necessary to put the human being back as the central element of political and economic options», the Bishop of Algarve is concerned about the situation.
“I share the concerns, which are common. I don't think there is any Portuguese who doesn't live with some apprehension the situation in which we live. More and more families are asking for help in our parishes, in our groups and institutions linked to the social dimension,” he revealed.
“This situation is not easy, because we often feel incapable. But, for example, when it comes to food we have found a lot of generosity from people. Social canteens have emerged, linked to the Church and beyond. There are also gestures between neighbors, which we are not always aware of,” he added.
Facing up to the food problem, namely among those who would not be able to count on any more meals, «has been possible because the institutions have been working more in a network».
Dom Manuel Quintas gives an example of the different social canteens that exist in Faro, namely Caritas, Santa Casa da Mercy and CASA association, which work together to offer meals on different days of the week, to reach more people, without overlapping.
“My presence and that of the Church always seeks to convey a sign of hope. That is, not to be demoralized or discouraged in the face of difficulties. It is evident that our great concern is that people are not in need and within our possibilities we seek to meet them», he assured.
“Fortunately I am noticing a growth in the sensitivity of everyone, not only those who attend parishes, to the difficulties of others, in terms of volunteering and sharing their own goods. And that's positive. Faced with this difficult situation, we all feel closer to each other, holding hands and looking forward with hope,” said Dom Manuel Quintas.
Caritas Diocesana do Algarve is already running out of resources
The lack of resources of Caritas Diocesana do Algarve is a sign that there are more and more requests and people in need of help. "If there is more exit and the same entrance as there was before, it is clear that the means are lacking," said Dom Manuel Quintas.
«On a national level, in the first ten months of the year, the 20 Diocesan Caritas together served around 28 thousand families, a number much higher than usual», revealed the Bishop of Algarve.
“But I think that reaching a situation of total disruption in terms of food is something that will not happen. Now, what we call the Social Solidarity Fund is exhausted», explained Dom Manuel Quintas.
Without this money, Cáritas will not be able to respond to requests for help from families across the Algarve to face pressing charges, "linked to house rents, water and electricity bills and even university fees." «We managed to raise, throughout the year, more than 50 thousand euros, but the money is also exhausted», he illustrated.
Meanwhile, the Algarve priests have already contributed a month's salary to the fund and there is now hope that the “10 Million Stars” campaign will allow the fund to be strengthened in line with the difficulties expected for 2012. “If not even those who are far beyond the Church to contribute, it would be very difficult, “he considered.
Maybe that's why, participating in the “10 Million Stars” campaign is now much easier. Caritas candles are on sale, in 2012, not only in parishes, but in the main supermarkets.
“This is a very simple initiative. It boils down to acquiring a candle for one euro, an amount that this year reverts to the Social Solidarity Fund of the Diocese of Algarve and also to humanitarian aid in Somalia, as there is always an international aspect», said Dom Manuel Quintas.
“You can light the candle on the night of December 24th. For those who believe, this candle symbolizes the light of Christ, which is a source of hope and where we find the strength to overcome difficulties and to unite to meet those in need. For those who don't believe, I think there is also always a place for others and for sharing within your heart. And a euro is not that much», considered the Bishop of Algarve.
Photos: Sunday sheet
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