|
Doña Eulalia, an
aunt Vicenta Maria was so fond of, was a lady who
belonged to the high society in Madrid. She was
married to Don Manuel de Riega, a knight of the
Royal Order of Charles III and secretary of honor to
His Majesty. Her social position allowed her to
come into frequent contact with influential people,
an opportunity she used for her beneficiary
activities and works of charity.
Her heart generous
and sensitive to other people’s needs was always
bent on seeking suitable solutions to relieve the
sufferings of the outcast. Her staunch social
conscience led her to do so.
Her brother Don
Manuel Maria Vicuña, who had devoted his life in the
service of the poor, shared her views and encouraged
her in this endeavor.
He belonged to a
group of founders of the Congregation of the
Christian Doctrine, which was started in Madrid in
1842. It was a lay association whose members,
following a genuine apostolic calling, devoted part
of their time visiting sick children at the General
Hospital, entertaining them and teaching them
religion. Later on, when these children moved to
another hospital, St. John of God, the members of
the Congregation went on to follow them.
That was how Doña
Maria Eulalia came into contact with the needs of
young women, who eventually took her heart away.
Several questions would arise from her. " How
we will be able to go out and meet these girls who
need us very much ? Where we would be able to
look for a place to offer them.. with what help?
mirar si está terminado
Así Dª. Mª. Eulalia entra en relación
con las necesidades de la juventud femenina que va
ganando terreno en su corazón. Surgen en ella unos interrogantes:
¿Cómo podremos salir al encuentro de estas chicas
que tanto nos necesitan? ¿Dónde podríamos buscar
alojamiento para ofrecerles? ¿Cuándo... con qué
ayuda?.
|
