We feed, rehabilitate and love Argentina's forgotten

In his work around the parish of Oberá, Fr. Liam came across senior citizens who were totally abandoned.  Many of them had suffered from incurable interior pain.  Some people regard  aged parents as a nuisance and some sons and daughters are reluctant to repay the debts they owe.

“how sharper than a serpants tooth it is, to have a thankless child”

Shakespeare’s King Lear, 1605

All were under-nourished and dehydrated.  It was essential to have a home with all the warmth and love that only a home can provide but the original St Teresa’s home was not suitable for these brothers and sisters.

Antonio and his brother Andreas would be typical of the type of person that needed our care.  Originally from Russia, the pair were mildly intellectually disabled and did well while their own parents were alive.  However, once their parents died, they were totally unable to cope with life and so needed the help of an extended family.  Simple tasks like crossing the road and cooking would be beyond their abilities. This would not be a problem in many parts of the world, but in this part of South America, it leads to starvation and death.

They are now both very happy in the home, and under guidance can do useful tasks, such as cutting timber and brushing the floor.  This solidarity of helping around the house, is a very important part of their day.

The joy and sorrows of community life binds all the residents in the VIrgen de Lujan home, Guarani,  as a family.  Like all families, they have their ups and downs.  but a spirit of joy always prevails.