The Merlo region, in the outskirts of Buenos Aires, hosts an agglomerate of people from around the country, as well as from Paraguay and Bolivia, in search of a job in the huge Argentinian capital. Many work as housekeepers, baby sitters, watchmen and builders; the luckier ones might have found a place in a government institution, or in a hospital as cleaners, or, even better, as nurses or teachers. They all commute to the center or to the urban richer quarters.
On weekdays, their daily hours are worn away from work and commuting. Little is left for family, friends or themselves. Sunday is the day that makes a difference. People gather to pray. At church they connect with the Lord and with each other.
But in Merlo, where our missionaries are, there is no church. So far, people have been meeting in a shabby hall, too small for those who attend. The present pastor, Father Marcelo, and the local community have a plan to build a proper church. It will be dedicated to “El Santo Cura Brochero”, a holy Argentinian priest from the last century, canonized six years ago. And – great news for the local community – the Pastor will be assisted by a small group of Consolata Missionary seminarians. They will live with him and help him out in the Parish, while they attend theology classes in Buenos Aires.
The total cost of the new church is estimated at $60,000 USD. The local community has committed itself to providing volunteers who will do the masonry and electrical work, as well as the interior. Fr. Marcelo, who has found enough funds from other donors to buy cements, iron and wood, is in need of $20,000 for the purchase of the fixtures (doors and windows) and of the roofing material.
Through your support, the people at Merlo will have a place where they find a meaning to their poor life and create healthy and helpful relationships with each other.
On behalf of our missionaries in Buenos Aires, Argentina, we thank you in advance for your most generous gift.