Buenos Aires, Argentina, Aug 29, 2005 / 22:00 pm
In order to commemorate the birthday of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the government of Argentina, at the request of the country’s bishops, declared the day of August 26 as the “National Day of Solidarity,” in order to honor all those who engage in works of solidarity during their free time.
Teachers, students, members of religious communities and members of social organizations who participated in the local “Parliament for Peace” all joined in marking the event.
Father Fabian Nieva, advisor to Caritas International, noted that in Argentina, the people are increasingly embracing solidarity as a virtue. At the same time, he said that solidarity should not be practiced only in extreme situations—such as disasters or floods—but should rather be part of an everyday attitude.
In the northern Argentine province of Tucuman alone there are almost 10,000 volunteers who engage in works of solidarity with Caritas and other Catholic NGOs.