The Marist Brothers Take Over a Social Center in Budapest

As of January 1 of this year, the Marist Brothers of Hungary, Province of L’Hermitage, have become the new administrators of the Jó Pásztor Marista Anyaotthon social center, a residential facility dedicated to mothers and children facing family crises or homelessness.

This center, which for years was managed by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, has been transferred to the Marists as part of an agreement symbolizing the continuation of a mission with over 130 years of history. The official handover ceremony took place on January 20, in the presence of representatives from both congregations and collaborators who have supported this social initiative over the years.

The ceremony was marked by deeply emotional moments, with special symbolic elements: a candle bearing the emblems of both congregations and a commemorative plaque installed on the buildings, highlighting the significance of this historical transition and the hope for a promising future.

The Jó Pásztor Marista Anyaotthon project is supported by a team of educators who assist mothers and their children, helping them in their personal development and journey toward autonomy. The services provided include job and housing search guidance, with the goal of facilitating the social reintegration of the families under the center’s care.

As Marist Brothers, committed to our evangelizing mission, we are determined to continue this work with a perspective inspired by the values of Mary: humility, simplicity, and closeness. Our mission at this center will be to ensure its proper functioning while striving to foster faith and love for Jesus Christ in the daily lives of the families we support.

This transition is part of the relationship of collaboration and trust we have maintained for years with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, particularly in the field of pastoral care for the Roma community. Now, we Marists take on this new challenge with enthusiasm and responsibility, embracing a work that, despite its 132-year history, is renewed with the promise of a future filled with hope.

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Br. Jaume Bofarull