AMERICA/BRAZIL - Caritas implements a National Refugee Integration Plan

Thursday, 4 October 2018 evangelization   migrants   hunger   caritas  

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Roraima (Agenzia Fides) - A "national plan for integration" and solidarity towards refugees: this is what the Brazilian Church has presented in response to the emergency in the country. The plan was launched with the support of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB), the diocese of Roraima together with Diocesan Caritas of Roraima, Caritas Brazil, the Institute for Migration and Human Rights (IMDH), the Pastoral Care Service for Migrants (SPM), the Jesuit Service for Migrants and Refugees (SJMR).
As reported to Fides, the Bishop of Roraima and president of Caritas, Don Mario Antônio da Silva, "the Plan aims to reach the cities in the whole country and also in Venezuela" .
According to Mgr. Da Silva, the Plan encourages the diocese and all the entities working at the service of migrants and refugees to continue to take care of these populations, without forgetting the poorest Brazilians, who need special attention. "It is possible, with solidarity and commitment, to ensure that the integration plan reaches people's hearts, promoting the reception of migrants throughout Brazil", he said.
The Bishop also thanked the Episcopal Conference for the assignment of 40% of the National Solidarity Fund (FNS) - the amount collected in this year's Fraternity Campaign - for the implementation of the Plan and solidarity paths. "God cares about the happiness of those who fight and defend life, and worry about defending life in all its needs", recalls Mgr. Mario.
The Catholic Church in Brazil is playing a major role in the reception of Venezuelan immigrants and refugees. From the border of Pacaraima, where the local parish distributes 1,600 breakfasts a day (see Fides, 19/7/2018), Venezuelans find an attitude of reception and sharing in Catholic communities that is not found in much of Brazilian society, Fides sources point out (See Fides 3/08/2018). (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 04/10/2018)


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