Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Prachinburi (Agenzia Fides) - "I am in Prachinburi, in the Camillian Home, a center for the elderly which until 17 years ago was a leper colony. The house is managed by the Ministers of the Sick (MI), Camillians", says to Fides Fr. Ferdinando Pistore, Fidei donum missionary in Chiang Mai.
During his visit, Fr. Ferdinando met Father Renato Attrezzi and brother Eligio, MI, with whom he was able to meet the hosts. Brother Eligio has been in the house for more than 50 years and after having treated the lepers, he continues to assist the elderly present on a daily basis, including former patients. Lepers remember the time when the religious gave them the necessary care every day. "Leprosy has stopped but the signs on the body remain and Brother Eligio continues to take care of them. Three novices from Vietnam also serve here - continues the Fidei donum priest.
All those present, currently 84, are welcomed free of charge. The house provides for their needs thanks to Providence and benefactors. They are all very poor people who could not afford any assistance. Some are completely alone and have no family. Within the Camillian Home, there are also small houses for self-sufficient elderly people, where they can live a somewhat normal life, independently. In addition, the Camillian missionaries collaborate with us fidei donum in Lampun, Papae and in the other more remote villages and, thanks to them, we manage to care for the sick and all those who need medical assistance".
Fr. Pistore also says that the Ministers of the Sick manage the Camillian Hospital in Bangkok, a real point of reference for everyone, even for the Italians who arrive in the area. "These days, exactly on March 16 - concludes Fr. Ferdinando -, Father Renato Attrezzi was summoned to the Italian Embassy to receive the honor of knight of the Order of the Star of Italy".
The Camillian Home for the Elderly in Prachinburi was founded in 1965 and initially focused on the treatment of lepers.
Subsequently, when the disease transformed, the Camillians' goal shifted to provide assistance to the poor and the abandoned elderly. The center takes care of its guests physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually, provides shelter and medical care. The community program also caters to the elderly who need different types of assistance in their homes and villages. (FP/AP) (Agenzia Fides, 18/3/2021)
