LAI in Dominican Republic

The movement was born in the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo in 2007. Today it has 114 active members in 8 teams who meet every week according to a program set according to the reality of each and which refers to the pillars of the association to help its members (Living fraternally, deepening their faith and spiritual life, Translating into concrete acts their Christian commitment in society and in the Church).

What we did during the pandemic:

We formed different groups of 10 people, by Meet, to pray the Rosary, to read the word of God, to share experiences and to continue training with support of the Vida Ascendente brochures. We continue to communicate with them to find out how they are feeling. We offer personal and group guidance. Now at Christmas we are not going to dinner together, we are going to bring them home meals and other necessities if necessary.

Located in the center of the Caribbean archipelago, the Dominican Republic shares its territory with the neighboring country of Haiti which is located to the west of the island. Demographic, social, economic, technological, climatic and political changes are a major challenge, as they bring uncertainty, inequality, isolation and discrimination, especially for populations who, like the elderly, are vulnerable, in countries that, like the Dominican Republic, have no laws or effective actions to protect this population.

In recent decades the Dominican Republic has undergone a radical change. It has moved from a predominantly rural population to an urban population that, at 75%, lives marginalized, in conditions that are not conducive to a personal quality of life.  Older people, in these circumstances, have also moved to a city where there is no longer the friendly relationships and communication that characterized rural life. Older adults often fall into depression, isolation, without being able to make personal decisions because their situation depends on the living conditions in their new habitat.

The "Maria Alta Gracia" house of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo hosted in November 2018the international meeting of LAI, which takes place every four years. The warm welcome of the members of the Dominican movement, their friendliness, their smiles and their friendship were a moment of grace for all the participants from all continents and left them with beautiful memories.

Monika Ptak - Sister Lucía