| Ecuador – Salesians and Jesuits effective in protecting children’s rights |
| Ecuador - The new President a former Salesian volunteer |
The ceremony held in the Library of the “Claudio Benati” Diocesan Hospital in
Zumbagua, Ecuador, was intended to reward the long and fruitful service of Fr Pio Baschirotto Capuzzo, who for over 30 years has been involved in working to support and benefit, especially, the peasants who live on the plateaux.
“This award is not for me,” - Fr Baschirotto declared, “but for all those who collaborate with me as volunteers, and for the Indios who work for the development of their communities.”
Ambassador Pignatelli, happy to present the award on behalf of Italy, pointed out that the award was a way of expressing thanks for social work undertaken abroad, and this was reflected in the Knighthood.
Marcelo Biscall, a volunteer who has known Fr Baschirotto for a long time and has worked with him for over 20 years, described how the Salesian is considered a father by all members of the community and how everyone has confidence in him and in his projects.
Fr Baschirotto’s work among the Indios of Ecuador began in 1973 when he was sent to give support to the Salesian Fr Ugo De Censi in carrying out the Mato Grosso Operation. Since then he has spent his whole life in the development of the native communities, in the education of the young and in the missionary apostolate.
He founded the missionary works in Zumbagua, where for a year the current President of Ecuador the Hon Rafael Correa worked as a volunteer, and he directed the missions of Simiatug and Cayambe. He was also director of the peasant hostel of La Tola, and founded a new one at Quitumbe.
In addition he started the “Don Bosco Foundation” for the Quichuas Indios of the Sierra, was Rector at Cayambe and is now the Provincial Delegate for the Andina Mission and parish priest of Zumbagua-Tigua, where he is responsible for many projects of evangelisation and human development.
Published 05/03/2010
