2023-12-25 14:07:00
The spirit of Christmas is above all an opportunity to think of vulnerable people who are in need today and throughout the year. To help people living in precarious situations, a large festive meal is organized at the Notre-Dame aux Riches Claires church.
Round tables, red tablecloths, fir trees and garlands. The Christmas atmosphere is there. The church was completely transformed in just half an hour, just after the religious service. “Around fifty volunteers set up around twenty tables at the initiative of the Sant’Egidio community, which is a Catholic community particularly committed to working alongside people in precarious situations,” explains our journalist Emmanuel Dupond on site.
“It’s a choice to be here”
Seated around the large festive tables are the homeless, vulnerable people and isolated people who frequent the Kamiano social restaurant throughout the year, managed by the same Catholic community. For Jan De Volder, the manager, the place is obviously not insignificant: “It is truly a choice to be here today, in this beautiful place where mass was celebrated this morning at 10 a.m. And then, we transformed it into a party room to welcome our friends from the street“.
A family
The Sant’Egidio community follows these people throughout the year, which allows them to have a real anchor point. “We know their name, a little of their history, a little of their character, and that’s what makes it really also a festive, family atmosphere.“, assures Jan De Volder.
The 150 people present were able to enjoy a three-course menu, starter, main course, dessert with meat, fish and of course the traditional Christmas log. A gift will be distributed to each of them.
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