AMERICA/PERU - Missionary Father Bachs has died, defender of the right to education of young people in need

Lima (Agenzia Fides) - Priest, teacher and tireless defender of the right to education of children and young people in need. 80-year-old Father Antonio Bachs SJ, one of the founders of the movement "Fe y Alegría" in Peru, died of a heart attack on Saturday, January 17.
Born on November 13, 1934 in Madrid, Spain, Father Antonio studied in Madrid, then attended a Philosophy and Theology course in Barcelona. He belonged to the Society of Jesus since 1952 and arrived in Peru in 1953. In 1967 he started the movement "Fe y Alegria" and was the director for 20 years. In Peru, as well as in Lima, he worked in Arequipa and Piura. From 1990 to 1995 he was general coordinator of the International Federation of "Fe y Alegria". In 2005 he received the "Palmas Magisteriales" award for his important contribution to public education in Peru.
In Peru, the movement gathers 216 553 people (among children and youth), in 261 cities or locations across the country, with 246 educational centers (schools) and 21 special technical training centers. 4,772 people collaborate in this movement. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 19/01/2015)