Piedad Rivas is consecrated of the Regnum Christi and this year it is developing its mission in the Altius Foundation, in the reception area. Piedad wanted to share her experience through this interview and talked about her work in this course. This work that she does allows her to live in first person and support directly in the actions of help that are provided from the foundation. She also knows the work done by the team and volunteers and “feel the need of the brothers”, as she points out in the interview.
What are the reasons that brought you to Fundación Altius?
My approach to Altius came from Rocío Caballero, who always encouraged us to get to know the Foundation. One day I decided to come, and inside I heard: “I am sending you”. This is the essential reason: “I am sent to make God's love present”. The first day at Altius I breathed an air of family, I felt I was at home. We are the family of God the Father and I want to collaborate in the growth of this family. Another reason is the great love for Regnum Christi, which I have received for free and I come to give freely in the foundation. The daily work is a means to make Christ present in the heart of each person, and together the members of Regnum Christi who collaborate in Altius make Jesus Christ present by applying the social doctrine of the Catholic Church.
What work are you doing at the foundation?
I am collaborating in the reception, which takes place in the entrance area of the foundation. I receive each person, listen to their needs and orient them to the area they require: food program, job opportunities, training courses, information about volunteering... I feel a deep joy in meeting with people, I am grateful for their trust and I love the daily work, because it is a direct and personalized attention.
People come with all kinds of needs, and I love this first contact because they feel affection and commitment because we seek to respond to their needs. I also welcome and assist young people who have time and come to enroll in courses in search of help to find a job.
Mercy, what is your experience during this year?
I am impressed by the work we do and see how we are able to respond to such a large number of families. The help they receive is only a means, the objective is that each person assumes their life, and feels that we are there to accompany them, also in other spiritual needs, the personal encounter with Jesus Christ... Being here helps me to be in contact with the reality of the people, to be realistic. I have never lacked anything and being able to feel the needs of my brothers helps me to give freely what I have received freely: a word, a smile, to dedicate time. Every morning that I come here, I feel that I am evangelizing with life itself, with everyday life.
