Church aid workers in Spain learn to focus on whole person

Published: 2008-07-17

MADRID, Spain (CNS) -- More than 100 aid workers for the Catholic Church in Spain explored ways to eradicate poverty and other social problems by focusing on people's spiritual and mental health as well as their physical problems. Juan Antonio Almonacid, coordinator of the July 3-16 program held outside of Madrid, said the program aimed to "promote humanity" by training Caritas Spain employees and volunteers from 49 dioceses to care for the needs of the whole person. "If there is poverty, we do not just look to see if a person eats or does not eat. We also try to help with the person's mental and emotional health and fight against human weakness," Almonacid said. The program also sought to create a common culture among people who dedicate their lives to helping the marginalized. Caritas Spain is the local affiliate of Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella organization of Catholic aid agencies worldwide.

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