Buenos Aires, Argentina - The “National Grandparents Day,” which is celebrated in Argentina every third Sunday of August, was the opportunity to give a silent but moving tribute to the elders from the Santa Ana y San Joaquín Home in the Flores Suburb, city of Buenos Aires. Ambassadors for Peace, people related to UPF-Argentina and the local Women's Federation for World Peace organized a lunch and table conversations with many surprises on August 23.
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Mr. Hugo Cattoni and his wife, Prof. Leticia Castorina, directors of the home of the well known international association Mensajeros de la Paz (Messengers for Peace), gave a friendly reception. During the luncheon, each guest sat at different tables with each elder so as to share a moment with all of them. After the lunch, manager hosts and Mr. Miguel Werner, Secretary General of the UPF-Argentina, and Ms. Rosetta Conti, President of the local Women’s Federation, offered certificates of recognition.
Among the most rewarding moments for the members of the day home were the artistic numbers and the raffles of small gifts. Noriko, Mieko, and Emiko from Japan, where old people and ancestors are almost sacred, performed a couple of songs; and the dancing partners Marcos Daverio and Elsa delighted everyone with folk dances, using their unique clothing. Some grandparents joined the dance as well.
“In appreciation for to the work developed through their years of life as an adult, to their will of service and support, to their wisdom and experiences, and to their comprehension and great solidarity,” was the inscription on the certificate given to the elders, who were very grateful and excited for this small gesture. “It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing.” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta) was also written on the certificate of recognition, as a witness to the emotional moments that we shared.
Translation: Yamila Gómez