On Friday, November 15, 2024, the Provincial Delegation in Paraguay celebrated the touching inauguration and blessing of the Marcelino Pan y Vino Social Center in Guarambaré, Paraguay.
The event was attended by the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), Friar Mariusz KOZIOŁ; friars from the Delegation; the Mayor of Guarambaré, Oscar Esteban CABRERA NARVÁEZ; members of the Parish Social Ministry outreach; and the faithful of the local Natividad de María Church, which is served by Conventual Franciscan friars.
This Social Center was created as a place to continue and expand the solidarity work of the “Comedor Comunitario Marcelino Pan y Vino,” a soup kitchen, which for years has been providing food to the neediest people in the community. In addition to the dining room, a range of essential services will now be offered, including legal counseling to address legal issues faced by vulnerable groups, psychological support for mental health, educational support specifically targeting at-risk children and youth, and other assistance based on community needs.
During the event, the Minister Provincial, Friar Mariusz, emphasized the importance of working together as a community to promote human dignity and the well-being of those in the most disadvantaged groups. He also thanked the commitment of all the people involved, from volunteers to collaborators, for making this project a reality.
Afterwards, lunch was served for all those present. The children and the elderly sitting at the table were quite happy as they enjoyed some delicious tagliatelle prepared by the volunteers.
The friar community was very grateful for this project which had already attracted several committed volunteers.
Special thanks to the Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, and his General Definitory, for approving this project. Thanks also to the Coordinator of the Projects Office, Friar Valerio FOLLI for his management, and to Caritas of St. Anthony of Padua for helping us build and equip the Center.
Friar Marek WILK
