Salesian Ladies Association dedicated to addressing needs in community

(MissionNewswire) The local chapter of the Salesian Ladies Association (Asociación Damas Salesianas) launched a new medical clinic for people who are poor in Cebu City, Philippines. The association is made up of women passionate about supporting efforts that aid human needs. The clinic was opened on the 30-year anniversary of the local chapter.

The new Zatti Medical Clinic will serve people in the Salesian Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Patients can access medical checkups on a first-come, first-served basis. Run by volunteers, the clinic will be open three days a week.

During the blessing of the clinic, Father Daniel Elemia, the local founder, spoke about how the local chapter of the association began with 20 members.

A Salesian explained, “The chapter members realized that their calling is not only in prayer but also addressing human needs. In their three-decade history, they began several social entrepreneurship projects in the parish which include livelihood and feeding programs. The new medical clinic is a renewal of a previous one that got interrupted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Salesian Ladies Association was founded by Father Miguel González, a Salesian priest, on May 13, 1968, in Caracas, Venezuela. Since then, its centers have been growing around the world with centers currently in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Since 1950, Salesian missionaries have been providing crucial help in the Philippines — working with at-risk youth, impoverished families and disaster victims. Salesian missionaries offer a variety of educational and social development programs for youth. The goal is to provide the opportunities necessary to gain an education and skills training to break the cycle of poverty and retain long-term employment.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of AustraLasia (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested)

ANS – The Philippines – Asociación Damas Salesianas opens New Medical Clinic for Indigents

Salesian Missions – Philippines

UNICEF – Philippines