Work camps

It is fine to organise work camps during the summer, paying what is necessary to those who need it, while others will offer their services gratuitously. In some cases this can result in another installation for the apostolate, like a small house or a mountain chalet. In other cases it can be a social project, for example, building houses for the poor in the countryside or in the city, or helping out in hospitals or schools. Or it may be some cultural undertaking like an archaeological dig or a research project, which is supervised by some of our friends and in which the St Raphael fellows can participate.

Restoration of furniture

We will always find the right formula. Another task, for example, that can be used in the St Raphael work – don’t think it’s stupid – is to collect and restore old furniture. Once it is disinfected and tastefully repaired, it can save us money when we are setting up a new house.

Apostolate with foreign students

In every country, we should pay attention to apostolate with foreign students; this is another expression of the universality of our spirit. We have to be open to everyone, Catholic and non-Catholic, without any discrimination of race or language.

Many of these will come to love the Work, and some will receive the grace of conversion, and even of vocation. And you will also be opening the way for our apostolate to spread to other lands.