Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – Assisi will be hosting the International AIFO (Associazione Italiana Amici di Raoul Follereau) Convention, October 16-18. It is one of the most important events organized by the Association in promoting human dignity and rights. The Convention is just a part of the reflection that AIFO has been making for years, along with its concrete work in the countries of the southern hemisphere, especially to fight leprosy and restore dignity and rights to the most disadvantaged. A large part of humanity is today excluded from making choices that effect all our lives. The group, however, is working towards a universal citizenship that will not remain satisfied as long as there are “leprosies” to fight against and eradicate. This is where a non-violent policy enters: to help every individual to become a person. Accompanying the downtrodden on their path of rescue, in their struggle for health, working against marginalization for causes of disability, supporting fragile childhood, supporting women and ethnic minorities...each of us can become worthy of our own dignity. In the countries of the southern hemisphere, forming community is more linked to traditions, while in the West and and in Italy specifically, we must re-learn how to form community through a new citizenship and a return to rights.
The Convention will also feature reflections on the life of Fr. Damien de Veuster, who dedicated his life to help lepers. For Fr. Damien's canonization in Rome on October 11, 2009, AIFO will also organize a press conference in Rome. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 11/09/2009)
