Seniority in a position, accompanied by generosity and dedication to others, not only becomes an experience, but also an example for the entire community.
That has been transmitted to me by Angelines, director of the Cáritas group of the parish of Fátima in Albacete for… Thirty-five years!
Both in her personal life and in her work – she has been a guard at San Vicente de Paul, in Las Tiesas, at the General Hospital…-, she considers herself responsible and committed to helping others. She likes working in a team so much, getting to know people and appreciating the values of each one that, always with a positive attitude, she has also, as she pointed out before, spent a lifetime collaborating with Cáritas. In the direction of your group, many tasks coincide, such as reporting on the meetings with the Diocesan, being in contact with the different groups in the parish, being part of the Parish Council, encouraging the group itself… but there is something that, personally, I would highlight . This something is neither more nor less than attending to those welcomed in the interviews. The reception corner implies many things; charity is not only giving someone what they need. Charity begins in personal and family knowledge of the host and above all in listening. Trying to make that person feel visible, understood and loved; knowing that while she has many difficulties, they are not alone; In short, always respecting the dignity of the person above any kind of poverty, entails learning.
Ramón Roldán, then vicar of the bishop, José Félix and Pepe Carrión were again vehicles of the Holy Spirit to encourage Angelines and a small group to work for those in need and focus their work. “Even to be charitable, you have to know how to be,” Angelines sums up what he has learned and what he tries to put into practice.
The reward of the Caritas volunteer? For her, it is clear, the gratitude of the host, her example of struggle… it is by giving how one receives, in a few words.
It is fundamental that from catechesis children are educated in the importance of charity so that, from an early age, almost in a game, they are created the concern to help others. This would be for Angelines a seedbed of volunteers who, upon reaching the youth, always with a Christian gaze and with activities appropriate to them, can manage to renew the parish groups.
As you can see, the present and the future vision of Angelines cannot be better.
For me it has been a true discovery to meet this perpetual volunteer who does not lose her enthusiasm despite the time and difficulties- Very interesting and instructive to listen to you.
Thank you Angelines
