(ANS - Madrid) - Yesterday, 24 June, in one of their first public acts as King and Queen of Spain, King Felipe and Lady Letizia of Bourbon declared their support for NGOs, when they welcomed solidarity associations and public institutions at the Royal Palace of El Pardo. King Felipe said that the work of all these organizations "deserves to be better known and recognized". Among those present at the meeting there were some representatives of Salesian groups.

Felipe of Bourbon thanked the more than 350 representatives of institutions and social organizations calling them "the picture of solidarity in Spain."  He said that they were “a great example, a point of reference and an example of the vitality of Spanish society that, in the face of difficulties, is able to give top priority to the principles of cooperation, help and correct application of their knowledge and skills."

The Salesians were represented by David Arduengo, Chairman of the Confederation of Don Bosco Youth Centres, and Salesian Brother José Luis Aguirre, president of the Coordination Committee of the Salesian Social work. There were also representatives of other associations and organizations that work on behalf of women, children, disabled persons, discrimination against homosexuals and the elderly.

In his brief public speech, the King stressed his special interest.  This was one of his first engagements since coming to the throne.  He made explicit reference to the economic crisis as the background of the remedial work of all these bodies. "The economic crisis that has hit our country in recent years, and that still affects so many people and families, shows us how important your work is and how much far you have been able to achieve through the strength of your convictions, your social awareness and the professionalism of your work.”

Published 25/06/2014