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12. Confronted with the Drama of HIV-AIDS PDF Print E-mail
Written by Consolata.org   
Tuesday, 07 February 2006
86. Enucleation of the orientation

“The joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the men of our time, especially those who are poor or afflicted in any way, are the joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing that is genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts” (Gaudium et Spes 1).

The calamity of AIDS extends to and affects all humanity. It has planetary dimensions: millions of persons in the world are infected by this illness.

The problem is becoming even greater, because the number of persons infected increases day by day, and it reaches all categories of persons. The future of humanity is at risk.

In this particular moment the phenomenon has greater consequences in Africa, the “forgotten” and “exploited” continent.

87. Aspects which motivate the orientation

1. Following the teaching of the Founder, we pay serious attention to the problems of the world, with a compassionate and consoling heart.

2. In several regions, especially of Africa, we are already working with great zeal to assist the persons affected by AIDS, and to prevent the illness.

3. This pandemic illness is deliberately ignored by the political governments of some of the developing countries because they prefer “not to see” rather than to confront the problem.


88. Practical proposals

1. To know and to help people know the problem, by using our own as well as other means of communication: magazines, agencies, web sites, AEFJN....

2. Our service of consolation requires us to do the following:

a) receive and assist without any prejudices all those who are affected by the illness.

b) defend their rights.

c) give greater support to the work of our three hospitals (Neisu, Ikond, Gambo) that are engaged in the cure and prevention of the illness.

d) collaborate with other religious and civil groups to prevent the spread of the illness. This can be done through meetings and educational aids.

e) collaborate with the campaigns and movements dedicated to this work (such as “Salute Africa”).

f) propose clearly the teaching of the church while educating people to a responsible sexuality, to conjugal faithfulness and to the avoidance of promiscuity.

g) educate in favor of life.