The first solidarity dinner of the Mercedaria Foundation brought together nearly 200 people in the Basilica of La Mercè, patron saint of Barcelona and also of captives. The event served to raise money for the entity that, among other activities, manages shelters for prisoners who do not have a family or economic network to reintegrate into society.
The event, held last night, began with the projection of a video about the origin of the Obra Mercedaria Foundation, which dates back to the 13th century. It was an emotional start, with the lights off and the basilica illuminated by candles. In another video, the entity showed its work in the 21st century with testimonies from women and men who have been in prison, have served their sentences and have not only been able to rebuild their lives but have ended up helping others. "We facilitate this transition, we are a bit of a springboard and proof that with support it can be achieved," explains the director of the entity, Núria Ortín.
Beyond the money raised, the dinner was a unique occasion for volunteers and solidarity supporters to meet in which a dozen former members were also involved in helping to prepare the basilica for the event and participating in the event. Today, Fermín Delgado, rector of the Basilica of La Mercè, thanked the work of all the participants: "It was an act of charity in the sanctuary of the Mare de Déu who acted as hostess, and I imagine that she is happy because as the Redeemer of Captives , yesterday the protagonists of the event were their captive children and all the work done was for them. It was not just another dinner, but a way to help the most disadvantaged in the context of the fraternity of a simple 'sopar', which helped us everyone present to take them into greater account".
The dinner was trusted by Archbishop Juan José Omella, with the presence of Mn. Joan Obach, and also with representatives of the Generalitat and the City Council, as well as Father José Juan Galve, Provincial Superior of the Mercedarians of the Province of Aragon.
The first Mercedarian home opened in Barcelona in March 1972, thanks to Rosa Gay's donation of two floors in the Vall d'Hebron; 51 years later, the entity has 13 homes in different cities that offer 126 places. The Foundation, which is present in several countries, has grown in every sense, providing different forms of support to prisoners and prisoners and incorporating spaces where training and work workshops are held in Barcelona, Elche, Lleida or Castellón.
