EUROPE/ITALY - Now also in Italy Semper Altius Foundation: charity which transforms, for formation, education and development among the poorest of the poor

Thursday, 16 March 2006

Rome (Fides Service) - Semper Altius Foundation started by the Legionaries of Christ has begun to operate also in Italy. Its mission is to transform the life of the poor with a service of education, healthcare and development programmes.
The Foundation was based on the story of José Antonio Heredia a poor Mexican boy who came into contact with Mano Amigo school project for poor children. With the help of the project José Antonio studied to become a doctor specialised in heart surgery and met a patient in need of bypass Fr James McKenna. The name was not new to him. In fact it was the name of the school which helped him as a child.
Thirty years later the child had become a good doctor and was delighted to help the man who had helped him.
Semper Altius Foundation co-ordinates Mano Amigo network of 23schools present in 7 countries Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico and Venezuela with over 15,000 pupils. The first school was opened in Mexico City in 1963.
The Semper Altius motto is “Charity transforms”. Charity which offers economic help and also aims for formation and development in view of a more dignified life.
Semper Altius Foundation programmes include medical missions in Brazilian slums. In Italy it will help non accompanied minors and offer juridical, psychological and medical counselling to immigrants.
For more info www.altius.org. (AP) (16/3/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:32; Parole:398)


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