The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul serve the poor and marginalized in 94 countries around the world, including in Tunja, Colombia, where they run Amparo del Niño, or Protection of the Child. This residence cares for teenage mothers and their newborns, as well as childdren who are victims of abuse, violence, neglect and abandonment.
Viatorians in Tunja work to support them. Fr. Fredy Contreras, CSV, and Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, say Mass at the home every day, while Fr. Contreras also serves on its board of directors.
“We also support their fundraising activities and lend them our school facilities for these events,” says Fr. Herrera, president of Colegio San Viator in Tunja. “”We also share with them our experience and friendship.”
On Palm Sunday, the sisters and their residents welcomed Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, to say Mass and offer them a special blessing. He arrived at the home after officiating at the confirmation Mass at Colegio San Viator in Bogota earlier that week, and serving as a translator for the General Direction in Rome before that.
It’s been a busy two weeks for Bishop Glancy, but celebrating Mass — on his birthday — with the young mothers and their children, and the Daughters of Charity who welcome them, was a highlight.
“It was a blessing to be with the Viatorian Community in Colombia for my birthday,” Bishop Glancy said, “and to participate with them in some beautiful liturgies with the people they serve.”
Much like the Viatorians, the Daughters of Charity work with humility, simplicity, and charity and are committed to reaching and empowering those who are the most abandoned and marginalized.