Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Madrid (Agenzia Fides) – This past July 18, representatives of the government of the City of Madrid inaugurated the Lumbre Social-Educational Assistance Center, begun by the Salesians and the Daughters of Charity. This Center will offer youth immigrants (12-25 years of age) who are at risk for social marginalization, formational activities and workplace on-the-job training with the goal of helping them to later find employment.
Among those present at the act of inauguration of the facilities were: the Immigrations Counselor and Family/Social Services Delegate of the City of Madrid; Fr. Luis Onrubia Miguel, Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Madrid; and Sr. Maria Cruz Gutierrez, Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Charity. In the inauguration, the Superiors of both Congregations mentioned the importance of the work, especially since it is part of the Church’s response as a whole to the needs of disadvantaged youth. The name of the institution, “Lumbre” (or “hearth”), “expresses the meaning behind the work that will take place here: welcoming, giving warmth, and offering a better future for youth immigrants that arrive in our country,” they said.
Using workshops, guidance, and personal attention of a social and educational character, they hope to offer formation with the goal of developing the youth’s personal and professional qualities, so they can reach an independence that enables them to integrate themselves in society. Many youth immigrants who will attend the Center come from broken families of a fairly low social-economic status who cannot support them in their studies or in their maturing process, due to the lack of time caused by long working days or due to their own lack of education. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 22/7/2008)
