Brand name clothes, new blouses or shirts that even come with their labels; party dresses that have only been worn once... More than thirty women have donated their clothes, party dresses, necklaces and earrings for the CARF Foundation's PAS spring charity sale.
All the volunteers, besides being generous, have done so with the enthusiasm that the proceeds will go to the formation of seminarians and diocesan priests and religious men and women from all over the world.
On Sunday, April 21, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and the Day of Native Vocations. The CARF Foundation knows a lot about vocations. Because one of its missions is to help in the integral formation of vocations in countries with scarce resources so that no vocation is lost.
Carmen Ortega and Rosana Diez-Canseco, chairpersons of the CARF Foundation Board of Trustees for Social Action They tell us how they organize themselves to organize this solidarity flea market that helps so much with their resources and prayers to the future formation of these vocations: "Throughout the year we move among friends and acquaintances so that they donate us clothes in good condition that they do not use. Of course, it has to be practically new. We make a selection and what we think is in a condition that cannot be sold, as if it were almost first hand, in many cases it is, we donate it to a parish in Vallecas".
There are ladies who give us a dress that they have only worn once for a special party, and they are convinced that they will never wear it again. "We even have girls who have given them a blouse, who have not looked good in it, that, with the passage of time, they have not changed it; it is new and they donate it to us. They know they are contributing to a very good purpose."
This solidarity market of the PAS of the CARF Foundation, of women's clothing and accessories, is organized every spring. This year from the April 16 to 18from Tuesday to Thursday, in the afternoon, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Patronato's premises (22 Reina Mercedes Street).
The PAS volunteers meet here once a week for their workshops, such as furniture restoration, which are then sold at the biannual flea markets and at the annual market, which is held at the end of the year and will celebrate its 27th edition in 2024. They also meet another day to knit baby clothes that are sold on request.
Another of the star activities is the embroidery of the albs and liturgical linens that they give to the seminarians, from Bidasoa and Sedes Sapientiae, when they return to their countries of origin to be ordained priests after their period of intense formation.
The PAS of the CARF Foundation and its activities cover the cost of the iconic sacred vessel backpackselements that touch the soul of future priests. These backpacks go beyond being a mere tool; they allow priests to carry with them everything they need to celebrate Holy Mass and the sacraments in a dignified manner, even in the most remote corners of the world. And they also carry the alb sewn in the PAS workshops.
If you have not had time to go to this charity market, where you can purchase women's clothing and accessories To help the integral formation of seminarians and diocesan priests from all over the world, don't worry, "We will keep the flea market open so that we can offer our clothes and accessories. All you have to do is call us and make an appointment," say Carmen and Rosana.
Request an appointment: Rosana, 659 057 320. Carmen, 659 378 901.
Mail: patronatodeaccionsocial@gmail.com
Marta SantínJournalist specializing in religious information.
