PREJUDICE AND SUPERSTITION ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE DISEASE
Togo is a small nation in west-central Africa where most people survive on a little over a dollar a day. There are many forms of poverty in this country: that of children unable to attend school; that of mothers who do not know how to feed their children; that of fathers who barter their small belongings for medicines.
FRAGILE AND MARGINALISED
However, you will find the poorest of the poor along the streets, marginalized by a disease everyone is afraid of: that of the mind. Often their problems begin with a stressful incident or a minor bout of depression. A simple pill would be enough to make them feel better, but they cannot afford one because they are too poor to pay for it. This is why they are abandoned along the streets, or end up being tied to trees, their only sin is that of being too fragile!
THE GOOD SAMARITAN OF THOSE WHO ARE MARGINALISED
His name is Grégoire. His encounter with Jesus occurred during a stay in the Holy Land, and changed his life forever. He decided to never “turn back,” and to help the poorest of the poor: he is now dedicating his whole life to helping the mentally ill. His jeep is certainly not held back by the dust or pot holes along the road. Grégoire is always in a hurry. He knows that along his path someone might be in need of him, someone who is wandering around without a fixed destination. These are people suffering from an invisible malady, an illness that leaves no traces on the skin, but which shatters the mind. Grégoire collects the sick and takes them to a Home he himself has established. There these people are assisted with the scanty means available to him, but with great love. They are following a therapy which is helping them to lessen their discomfort. But what will become of them after the therapy is over?
A JOB TO OFFER THEM A FUTURE
It is important to heal, but before sending them back to their families it is necessary to help them become independent. It is for this reason that we, friars of Saint Anthony, have decided to set up a Vocational Training Centre for Grégoire’s guests. The Centre we would like to establish will house some 50 guests. It will include workshops to train them to become farmers, carpenters, brick-layers, electricians, mechanics, bakers, tailors and hairdressers. In the Vocational Training Centre the people who have been healed will prepare themselves to return to normal daily life.
The driving force behind this project is Grégoire himself, but he is supported by the generous dedication of Sister Simona and Sister Delia: their whole strivings are directed at helping these people come back to normal life. We friars strongly believe in this project, and we know that we can also count on you.
For our June 13 Feast we can join forces in giving new hope to those desiring only to come back to life! THANK YOU!