Solidarity actions drive the Marists

Solidarity actions have always been part of the Marist world. In times of pandemic, this has intensified and assumed even greater proportions. Many initiatives have marked this typically Marist characteristic. Through the Institute’s web site, we have spoken about some of them, which appear as a sign, but there are many others scattered throughout the world, which discreetly give witness to the charism of Champagnat, giving practical responses to the needs of the most vulnerable groups, who in this period, have suffered the social impacts caused by the new pandemic of coronavirus.

Today we highlight the activities and solidarity campaigns carried out by the Province of Brasil Centro-Norte.

Marist Province of Brasil Centro-Norte

The Province, through partnerships with national and international entities, has dedicated itself to carrying out activities that promote the well-being and comfort of the most needy. Among the associated organizations in the projects, we highlight the German Catholic institution, Adveniat, the Conference of Religious of Brazil, Cáritas Brasileira, in addition to hospitals, parishes and religious communities.

Among the actions carried out, the Marist Province of Brasil Centro-Norte has donated 1,000 cloth masks to the University Hospital of Brasilia, of the University of Brasilia, as well as strengthening the organisation of the Seamstresses of the Federal District, with financial transfers for this co-operative. The institution has also distributed basic food baskets to the Sol Nascente Community in Ceilândia and to workers and families in Recife.

For Brother José Augusto Júnior, participating at this time is much more than helping the most needy, since solidarity, besides being an area of

the Institution, is a mission. “We cannot ignore all of this, since Champagnat has left us the legacy of protecting, helping and assisting the most disadvantaged. The actions that we promote are practical responses now that the economy, health, citizenship and dignity are weakened in the face of the pandemic. We assume this role as a mission, as an institution, and mainly because we are Champagnat’s Marists.

Besides these initiatives at the provincial level, the socio-educational units have carried out several activities in this regard. One of these is Drive-thru Solidarity, which collected numerous products, such as non-perishable foodstuffs, basic food baskets, clothing and other goods, which were destined for needy institutions, in several states of Brazil.

While the private schools in the Province promote actions to make donations to the most needy, the Institution’s public schools, which serve 5,375 students for free in several Brazilian states, receive help to support the families of these students, since many of them depend, exclusively, on the assistance offered by the school. Mainly food donations: basic baskets and vegetable and farm products. Social schools also play a part favouring citizenship, by giving up their premises for families to register and receive urgent assistance from the Federal Government.