Solidarity
The first Caritas old age home in Serbia was opened in Maradik, close to Novi Sad, on 16 September. The small structure dedicated to “Saint Elizabeth” will host elderly people without relatives, and with income below 100 euros. The project is supported by Caritas Bolzano-Bressanone. During the opening ceremony, the building was blessed by Msgr. Dzuro Gasparovic, bishops of Sirmio, the land hosting the home, and by President of Caritas Serbia Msgr. Stanislav Hocevar, archbishop of Belgrade. The ribbon was cut by Msgr. Gasparovic, together with Director of Caritas Bolzano-Bressanone Paolo Valente. “The new home is an answer to the difficult situation of old people in the area; quite often, some of them live in inadequate places”, said the bishop of Srem. Apart from Italian guests, representatives of Serbian authorities took part in the celebration. On the other hand, Archbishop of Belgrade Msgr. Hocevar recalled that “the first duty of Caritas is to do good as well as reaffirm the dignity of every human person”. “During the years of the war, our area went through very hard times; lots of young people went away; elderly people were left alone”, said Father Jozo Duspara, director of Caritas Srem.
