Inauguration of the UCAM International Volunteering Exhibition with nearly 100 social entities
José Luis Mendoza, president of the Universidad Católica de Murcia, together with Monsignor José Manuel Lorca, bishop of the Diocese of Cartagena, inaugurated the 18th International Exhibition of Charity and Volunteering, located in the Paseo Alfonso X in Murcia. Nearly 100 social entities from different areas such as health, education, social and charitable work, social cooperation and the media, etc., are taking part in the event, which will be open until Saturday afternoon. The exhibition was also attended by Monsignor Francisco Gil Hellín, Archbishop Emeritus of Burgos; Monsignor Nicolaos Matti Alahad, Metropolitan Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch; members of the Governing Council of the University, professors, administrative and service staff and students of the Universidad Católica.
At this exhibition, which aims to promote the integral development of indigenous peoples and to show the work carried out by volunteers and missionaries, a large number of associations are present. Visitors can learn about the work they carry out, and the associations can show what they have already accomplished, which is why the UCAM has been organising this event for so many years. In addition, the Universidad Católica will also organise its 5th Volunteering Exhibition in Cartagena, which will take place from 3 to 5 March.
José Luis Mendoza said, "we always have the poor, those who suffer the most, and the sick in mind, which is why this university collaborates with 126 associations" adding that "at this exhibition there are organisations from Africa, India, Latin America and Spain". He also recalled that "there are many UCAM students and professors who carry out voluntary work, helping families and elderly people who are alone".
José Manuel Lorca Planes stated that "I am always close to these initiatives, especially those of the Universidad Católica, on behalf of the Church, and coming here today is a sign of solidarity and the desire to collaborate in all the initiatives in favour of those who need it most".
The Dance Company of the Universidad Católica also took part in the inauguration ceremony, performing the choreography 'Presencia' (presence).
Ecumenical event at Capuchinos
The parish church of San Francisco de Asís (Capuchinos) in Murcia will host an ecumenical act this evening at 8:30pm. Representatives of various Christian churches, such as Catholics, Orthodox, Evangelicals and Anglicans, will take part in the event, which will be presided over by Bishop José Manuel Lorca.
Tomorrow, Friday
On Friday, the event will take place at the Los Jerónimos Campus, and will include the online speeches of Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect Emeritus of the The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Holy See, who will give the conference 'The Role of Charity in Volunteering', and Cardinal Pedro Barreto, President of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network, who will speak about the work carried out by this institution.
Also on Friday, three round tables will be held on 'The work of NGOs and the experience of missionaries in the development of peoples', the '400th anniversary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples', and 'International cooperation: the work of volunteers'.
Spanish Congress of Deputies
The events will conclude on Monday 28th with an event organised in conjunction with the Commission for International Cooperation for Development, part of the Congress of Deputies, the venue for the event, which will be attended by more than 30 diplomatic delegations, and students and staff from the University. International cooperation projects in Uganda and the Amazon will also be presented by UCAM representatives.