We feed, rehabilitate and love Argentina's forgotten

29th May 2010.   “Joaquin, here is a potato peeler, please help prepare the meals”.  This was one experience for our latest volunteers.  Joaquin Schenonei made history  by being the very first Argentinian to volunteer in Hogar Santa Teresa del Niño Jesús.  He is fully committed to the teachings of God through the Catholic faith and proved this by attending the daily Mass during his one week stay. 

Joaquin had a desire for a new experience in his life and decided to come to the home, as he said himself,  ”to give a hand”.  This was all new territory for him and he did not really know what was expected from him. 

As he is Argentinian, he quickly settled down as he had, for obvious reasons, no problems with communications and knows the Argentinian way of life.  For him, he could see Jesus in the disabled residents and experienced a joy by giving himself to others.

Joaquin, who travelled up from Buenos Aires, he lives in a suburb called San Isidro,  enjoyed his stay helping to care for the residents in anyway he could.

We hope that his example for volunteering will be followed in the future by many other Argentinians.  We wish him all the best for the future.

Whatever fears they may have had before their arrival to Hogar Santa Teresa, Niamh Costello and boyfriend Conor McKay,  disappeared rapidly.   Their welcome, as is the norm, like the warm welcome given to the Prodigal son on his return home, was overwhelming by both residents and staff alike.

Thanks to their employer, the BBC, Niamh and Conor, were allowed a  year´s break from their radio work.  They decided to see as much of the world as possible during this time.  Before coming to South America they visited  Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand  and other countries.  Conor spent as much time as he could surfing: he brought his very own surf board with him. 

Niamh, from Bray, Co. Wicklow and Conor from Omagh, Co. Tyrone, greatly and joyfully entertained the residents during their two week plus stay.  They sang, danced, played guitar and football,  and helped residents to paint and draw.  Besides all of that, they also helped with the kitchen work and the feeding of the residents.  During the Mass, they sang some hymns in Irish.

Niamh and Conor are two extraordinary individuals who used all of their God given talents to genuinely help those in the home. It wasn´t merely that they helped but the manner in which they did things.  Both put their hearts and souls into everything they undertook to do.  The tenderly manner in which they treated all residents was next to none.  They oozed with enthusiasm, warmth and great joy as they went from one task to the next, especially when looking after the disabled residents.   Sparing themselves never entered their heads.

21st May, was a sad day for all in the home as both Niamh and Conor departed, both volunteers themselves feeling very emotional with Niamh having to be comforted.  They would have preferred to stay longer but time did not permit it.

Niamh, Conor, you have set an outstanding standard which will be extremely difficult to attain by future volunteers.

We all wish you a very pleasant and enjoyable time in the rest of your travels before you return to work this coming July. 

May God bless both of you.

Please read Conor´s article: A help or a hindrance?

Although the container arrived safely sometime ago, it is still in Buenos Aires.  The customs authorities have requested more documentation which has to come from Ireland.  This required information was posted about 3 weeks ago but has not yet been received by us.  On receiving it in Hogar Santa Teresa, Casa Pastoral, Oberá, it will then have to be forwarded to the authorities in Buenos Aires.  Unfortunately, the container will remain there until the authorities decide that it may continue on its 14 hour journey to us.  We earnestly pray that the container will soon be with us.

 Monday 17th May, 2010.   This is the season of Autumn when the people wrap themselves up well as they feel themselves cold very much.  Winter is approaching and torrential rain is the norm for this time of year.  This was bourne out on Monday 17th May, 2010, when the heavens opened and an extremely torrential downpour came. 

Bishop Victor Arenhardt, appointed as the first bishop of the newly established diocese of Oberá, along with the Chancellor of the same diocese,  Padre Hugo  Staciuk,  were killed in a fatal accident returning from Iguazú to Oberá. They had taken part in the celebration of the forty years of priesthood of the bishop of Iguazú,  Mons.  Marcelo Martorell.

Tuesday, 18th May, 2010.  The city and diocese of Oberá  had never experienced  such an outpouring of grief.   All of us were stunned, shocked , devestated and unable to grasp this new tragic reality.  The outpouring of love for these wonderful pastors is something impossible to describe.  It was a new experience  for the city to see thousands of people crying at the same time .  At  local level, the reaction was similar to that of  the news of the death of Princess Diana and Pope John II.   A hugh floral mountain came into being at the entrance and sides of the cathedral  thanks to  people,  both rich and poor.   Inside, the altar was surrounded by very beautiful and colourful flowers.  The first Mass for the deceased commenced at 4.00 pm. in the Catedral San Antonio.  The cathedral was filled to capacity, many having to stand shoulder to shoulder along the walls whilst others had to remain outside.   The cathedral remained open throughout the night to allow people pay their last respects for the deceased.

Wednesday 19th May, 2010.  This day was a “public holiday” for remembering the victims of the horrific crash on the Monday.  In order to make space for those wishing to attend the funeral Mass,  which commenced at 3.30 p.m.,  about three quarters of the pews were removed.  Like the previous day, the cathedral was overcrowded and loudspeakers relayed the proceedings to those standing outside.  People unable to come to the cathedral were able to listen to the Mass on the live broadcast,  television and radio.  It was estimated that 5,000 were in attendance. 

Such was the love for Bishop Victor,  clergy from various parts of Misiones, Paraguay and Brazil came to attend the funeral service.  Archbishops, bishops and priests,  numbering 90, concelebrated the Mass.  Mons.  Andrés Stanovik,  a member of the Capuchin Franciscan order and Archbishop of Corrientes was the chief celebrant.   Many members of the religious orders, school children and the choir swelled the numbers in the cathedral.  The local Ukranian Church, which is in full communion with the Bishop of Rome was represented.  Representatives of the Russian Orthodox ,  Luthern Church as well as representatives of other religious movements were also there. Local services such as the fire brigade,  the public hospital and private medical clinics and army were also representated..  

During,  at the end of the Mass and buriel of Bishop Victor, there were many wet faces, many crying openly.  Bishop Victor was buried in the Cathedral.    The Govenor of the Misiones  Prison Service , who is  a person with a great “toughness”, paid tribute to Bishop Victor´s great pastoral sensitivity and interest to prisoners and their families down the years.     Many is the prisoner he aided to return to society and work honestly.    He said,  ”Bishop Victor was a person who always brought solutions not problems to different difficult life  situations”.      At this stage in his public discourse,  he broke down crying. 

As the bishop´s remains were brought to his final resting place, there was a very prolonged applause and a second applause was taken up again as the coffin was lowered into the floor of the Cathedral

 On his arrival in heaven, Bishop Victor  has been/ will be greeted by many former residents of our homes,  especially by Mario Junior.

Please remember in your prayers the driver of the bus who was very seriously injured in the collision.

Misiones, and in particular Oberá, will sadly miss both loving priests.

The late Bishop will be remembered by those in our Homes as he was the one who blessed and dedicated Hogar Virgen de Lujan, Guarani, to the Blessed Virgen Mary last 8th December, 2009 and blessed the Calvary and Tomb on 21st March this year in the grounds of Hogar Santa Teresa.

Please remember in your prayers these two priests who gave themselves untiringly to the service of others.  Also their grieving families,relatives and friends.  Let us also pray earnestly for their future replacements.

  May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.  Amen.

  We hope to publish an article about the late bishop at some future date.

When a friend of my girlfriend told us about the time he had spent at Hogar SantaTeresa, it appealed to both of us immediately.  We decided to include a visit on our way through Argentina.

Having never tried anything like this before, I felt nervous about coming to stay.  I didn´t feel I had any special skills to offer and I was worried that I might be more of a hindrance than a help.  However, from the moment we set foot here, those fears vanished.  We were made to feel more than welcome by the staff, although I almost hesitate to call them staff as they go so far beyond the call of duty in the loving care and attention bestowed upon each resident that you soon feel you are staying with one large family,  a family you quickly become part of.

Of course there is suffering here as some of the residents have very severe disabilities.  I found this difficult to deal with particularly when I heard about  the horrific backgrounds that many for the residents endured and somehow survived.  It brings great comfort to see how the residents are now receiving wonderful care and have a safe place to call home.

It was certainly a humbling experience to see how much comfort I could bring by merely sitting with a resident and holding hands;  perhaps talking or singing softly to them and also doing little things that might seem insignificant in our own lives but which means so much to those who can do so little for themselves.

Without doubt, my happiest memories are of the days when Niamh and I played guitar and sang and danced with the residents.  The energy in the room was palpable as faces lit up, hands clapped, feet stamped and, those who could, danced and swayed around the room while those who couldn´t were delighted to be lifted up in our arms and moved in time to the music.  In particular, I´ll remember little Kenny crouched in the far corner of the room, slowly edging towards us until he sat right in front of the guitar, smiling broadly at the singing and dancing.

I needn´t have worried about whether I would be a help or not—–from helping the residents to eat, to washing the dishes, preparing food, making mate  (pronounced ma tey) for Sandra, playing football with Mario, taking David for a walk and Lucas for a run  in his wheelchair, there was neither a dull moment nor a day that shall be forgotten.

At long last, after several delays, the container with various goods, left Ireland last month.  It has arrived in Buenos Aires.  When all of the necessary documents have been cleared, the container will begin its 14 hour journey to Hogar Santa Teresa del Niño Jesús, Obera, Misiones.

A very sincere thank to you, one and all, who were involved in anyway by donating goods, providing transport,  packing the goods, loading the container etc.  All of you have helped these one time very poor disabled, abandoned and unloved residents by generously giving of your time and patience.  Because of people  like you, the Homes remain open.  God will never forget your kindness in this great work.  Go raibh maith dhíbh.

Séamus.

As previously stated, the work on the Calvary and preparation  for the blessing of the Calvary and Tomb was continued on Saturday 20th March well into the afternoon.  The five stakes to keep the cross of Christ in position were put in place.  Chairs etc. were put in front of the Calvary site for those coming to attend the Mass and blessing.  Although the Mass was celebrated early on Sunday morning, it was well attended including the presence of politicians and the lord mayor.

We asked God not to cry on this day, and He obliged us.  The weather could have not been much better; the sun shined beautifully and there was a little breeze to keep all present cool. 

The celebration of the Mass commenced at 9.20a.m;   the celebrants being Bishop Victor, Fr. Liam Hayes, SVD and his superior of the Misiones Province  Fr. Alberto Cleim.  It began with a procession to the altar.

During the Mass, Fr. Liam Hayes prayed silently to Mario Junior, a former resident,  born 14th September 2004  and went to his heavenly reward on 8th May, 2007, for some clouds to shield us from the sun. Mario must be well in with the Man above because clouds did eventually appear and those present were saved, from time to time,  the trouble of shielding their heads from the sun´s rays.

Gifts were presented at the offertory by residents Lita and Raul, staff members Griselda, Gladis, Hector and Emelio, Dr. Voras Omar, the Homes medical doctor, and the two lady dentists.

At the end of the Mass, Bishop Victor, accompanied by Fr. Liam and others, mounted the Calvary hill and blessed the 3 crosses and the tomb. 

Besides the Calvary and Tomb of Christ,  grape vines have been planted and we look forward to their produce. These vines will aid us to be more self-sufficient in the coming years.

This week has been an extremely busy one as we are preparing the Calvary and grounds for the local bishop,  bishop Victor, invited guests and locals.  Fr. Hayes composed the letter to invite the guests; copies were printed and signed by Fr. Liam.  All were delivered by hand due to pressure of time.  Fr. Liam has spent some considerable time with Carina in preparing the homily and other liturgical readings and music.  The grass have been cut, gravel spread on the dirt tracks in the grounds and around the bottom of the Calvary wall.  The three large crosses and figures repainted and heavy stones, put up on the top of the Calvary.  The first of five sets of steps put in place leading to the top of the Calvary is now in place.  According to Blessed Catherine Emmerich (sometimes spelt Emmerick), there were 5 stakes at the bottom of the cross of the crucified Christ to help it stay in position.  Today, Friday,19th March, 2010, the feast St. Joseph, husband of Mary, we hope to put the 5 stakes in position.  Work has commenced on the altar at the bottom of the hill of Carvary for the celebration of the Sunday Mass , 21st March.  We only have today and, if necessary work tomorrow for the final preparations.  We have been praying earnestly to God for a very good this Sunday.  Please, dear God, do not cry——–we don´t want any rain.  At the end of the Mass, Bishop Victor will bless the Calvary and the nearby tomb.

The local authority has agreed to a free showing of  “The Passion of the Christ” , a brillant film funded and directed by the actor Mel Gibson.  Many thanks to all involved in doing this . The film will be screened tonight, in Oberá, Friday 19th March at 9.00pm and much publicity has been given to it.

Great progress has been made on the security wall.  The high gate will soon be erected after the final part of the wall has been completed.  Unfortunately, as had been predicted and mentioned earlier, we had to go into debt by having no choice but to borrow 10,000 pesos, about 2,000 euro.

Seamus

On 25th January, 2010, two volunteers arrived in Oberá, Margaret O´Mahony and Veronica Nolan, both from Dublin.  We met them at the bus terminal and transported them to Hogar Santa Teresa del Niño Jesús.

After a few days rest and orientation in the Home and surrounding areas, they set about their specific task of massaging the residents.  The residents were delighted with this treatment.

After three weeks, both women went to Buenos Aires for a week´s holiday including a trip to Uruguay which is a short boat journey from Argentina.

At the end of the week, Vera (Veronica) returned home to freezing Ireland whilst Margaret returned to the Home to continue on with her specific task and continues to do her voluntary work.  Margaret also helps in the kitchen and feeding the residents.

Margaret is very pleased with the new arrangement for massages.  She has been given a room where she can work in a very suitable environment and plays soothing music to give more relaxation to the residents. Staff members help by lifting the residents onto the massaging table.

Margaret is willing to remain with us for as long as she can.  We wish her every success in her new role.

Séamus.