UCAM inaugurated the XXIV International Volunteer Exhibition, an event that brings together over a hundred associations and institutions working in areas such as health, education, international cooperation, migration, disability and social action of the Catholic Church in the Paseo Alfonso X El Sabio in Murcia. 

The inauguration was attended by María Dolores García, UCAM president; Conchita Ruiz, Regional Minister for Social Policy, Families and Equality of the Region of Murcia; Juan Tudela, vicar general of the Diocese of Cartagena, and Antonio Alcaraz, director of the exhibition, accompanied by representatives of the participating associations and UCAM academic authorities, such as its rector, Josefina García.

María Dolores García emphasised that ‘for UCAM, which is born from the heart of the Church, it is fundamental to organise this exhibition, which we hope the people of Murcia will attend to learn about the great work carried out by these associations, as well as the ways in which they can collaborate with them, encouraging them to participate as volunteers’. In this regard, Juan Tudela thanked, on behalf of the Bishop of the Diocese, the work of the UCAM ‘for carrying out this initiative.  I am impressed to see how many kind-hearted people give their time to help others; it is touching’.

For her part, the Regional Minister Conchita Ruiz stressed that ‘the Regional Government is here to support UCAM with this initiative once again, as it is a great opportunity to highlight the value of the entire associative movement of the Region of Murcia dedicated to improving the lives of people at risk of social exclusion. We have more than 16,000 volunteers in the Region of Murcia’. She also stressed that her ministry is working to implement a regional law on volunteering.

 ‘I am impressed by the number of people with noble hearts who devote their time to helping others; it's touching’

The exhibition will remain open to the public until Saturday 1 March, offering visitors the opportunity to get a closer look at the work of these organisations. Likewise, Cartagena will host the 8th edition of its International Volunteer Exhibition from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 March in the Plaza de Juan XXIII, where this solidarity initiative will be replicated with the participation of numerous third sector organisations.

International Charity And Volunteering Conferences

This exhibition marks the beginning of the XXIV International Charity and Voluntary Service Conferences organised by the UCAM John Paul II International Institute for Charity and Volunteering under the slogan 'Pilgrims of Hope', in preparation for the Jubilee Year of Rome 2025. The activities will take place on 3 and 4 March in the Temple of the Monastery of Los Jerónimos, UCAM's headquarters.

As a final touch, on Tuesday 4 March, at 8.30pm, the traditional Ecumenical Act will be held in the Parish of San Francisco de Asís in Murcia (Padres Capuchinos), in which representatives of various Christian denominations will take part in a meeting of unity and fraternity. On this celebration, Antonio Alcaraz, stressed that ‘this year will have the special nuance of offering prayers for the health of Pope Francis; everything will be centred around the much-needed hope in society’.