My experience as an HCR at Cáritas
The International Social Pastoral team has asked me for a review of my experience as an HCR in Cáritas, I am happy to share with you what I have experienced recently.
After forty years of teaching, I found myself needing to review my “to be a Daughter of Christ the King at the service of the Church and her brothers, to make Christ reign”.
Pope Francis' exhortations to religious people to go out to meet the poor motivated me a lot; so, after having fulfilled my duties in my community, I felt sent to respond to the exhortation of the Church.
Here I am, a volunteer at the diocesan Cáritas of Mondoñedo Ferrol.
My presence, two afternoons a week at the reception, makes me feel like a sister and friend to the users who come to have a snack and entertain themselves, to chat with trust and friendship. Their stories are precious pearls of reflection and sharing given in a spirit of trust and the search for hope.
There is no shortage of social projects to collaborate with and training courses, street demonstrations to raise awareness among passers-by about social injustices. Days to share moments of meeting with other associations or simply to get to know the area better.
The beauty of volunteering is the total availability in what is requested or suspended, according to the needs of the moment.
In my opinion, selflessness and loving donation are at the core of what is required of a Caritas volunteer.
This experience enriches me every day and I am infinitely grateful to my sisters who participate with me in this mission with the prayer and interest they show for it.
Adriana Mini HCR, Community of Ferrol
