Commitment to the most vulnerable
Mossèn Peio Sánchez, at the helm of the Santa Anna campaign hospital, firmly expressed his position in the face of critical voices that question his mission. “We will only close the doors when there is no one who needs the street help,” he said, emphasizing the importance of his work at a time when social services seem to be attacked by various political fronts.
An unconditional support
On April 2, a crowd gathered in Santa Anna to show solidarity with this institution, which since its inception in January 2017 has been a refuge for those who need it most. Highlighted figures from various social organizations, as well as volunteers and friends of Santa Anna, responded to the Call, including Ramon Bassas, General Director of Religious Affairs of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
Reflections about hatred in current society
The round table entitled ‘You will hate the neighbor’ addressed the ideas of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who talks about the division and hatred they prevail in our society today. In the debate, experts such as the Padre Ángel, founder of Messajeros de la Paz, and Beatriz Fernández, director of Arrels Foundation, offered based perspectives on the need to unite efforts against these trends.
The voice of those who help
Mossèn Peio, as a moderator, fondly recalled the figure of Viqui Molins, delivering a red scarf to the Father Angel, a symbol of the solidarity of the campaign hospitals. In his words, he emphasized that the Church must be an active agent in the fight against social injustices.
Humanization and proximity
Participants coincided with the importance of direct action and humanization in response to hatred. Salvador Busquets shared his vision on the need to create meeting spaces to foster solidarity and understanding, emphasizing that dehumanization begins when we turn back to the pain of others.
Alarming data on the Aporophobia
Beatriz Fernández provided worrying data on aporophobia, emphasizing that 87% of people served have experienced violence or discrimination on their situation. However, the vast majority do not report these incidents, indicating a standardization of suffering that must be fought with education and awareness.
Experiences that inspire change
The round table served as a platform for various entities to share their experiences. Àngels Fàbrega, a volunteer in the Caliu Social Dining room, explained how neighborhood complaints have affected their service, forcing them to delay the starting time of the food, a situation that directly affects the vulnerable people they serve.
Education as a transformation tool
Pere Agustí, from the roof Barceloneta project, narrated how they addressed the speeches of aporophobia among young people through meetings with residents of the project. This initiative facilitated an enriching dialogue that culminated in acceptance and empathy gestures, showing that humanization is key to coexistence.
A hopeful future
At a time when hate speeches seem to gain ground, the community of Santa Anna and its allies remain firm in their mission to defend human dignity. The path to a fairer and more supportive society is a challenge that requires the collective effort of all those who believe in the strength of compassion and love.