We are six sisters in Málaga. Each one, according to our possibilities answers the calls we see in our environment and in line with the charism of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa. We strive to give the best of ourselves so that the Kingdom of God might grow.
Lola and Juanita go to visit the homeless gathered in a Caritas house. They are happy to be able to meet these people and show interest in their lives. Féli gives Spanish lessons to immigrant women in a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. She is happy to share her faith above all through her witness. Carmen serves in an Oxfam Intermom which struggles for justice and universal rights. Josepha deals with immigrants, with the sick and she participates in the work of Caritas in the parish. As for me I work in the General Services of Diocesan Caritas and I am in the welcoming team. I am also a member of the Diocesan Council of Missions.
So what does the Caritas welcoming team do? We welcome anyone who comes with a need: street people, strangers, people looking for work, families with basic needs …. These various people come to Caritas after having looked for help from the state or from other organizations. Caritas is their last resort. Often, as soon as they start talking, tears flow. Some are disoriented, battered, sometimes aggressive. We welcome them kindly; we listen to them and refer them to someone who can help them.
Caritas Málaga is very involved with the parishes of the city and the province so that the Christian community takes charge of the people in trouble in their own parish. The diocese has 250 parishes and 186 have a Caritas team. Is this not a wonder of the Lord? -a Church that does not turn in on itself but rather goes in search of those most forgotten in society?
Sr Amalia