The Little Brothers of the Poor couldn’t have this moment together for two years, because of the Covid pandemic. They were finally able to meet for a Christmas meal, a very important moment together. In Nantes, in the west of France, they were around thirty, this December 25 at noon, to have a bite to eat together.
With our correspondent in Nantes, Matthew Bonhoure
A little swing between the dish and the cheese. On the dance floor, Jean-Pierre, 80 years old, a big smile and a lot of emotions to meet again. ” It’s wonderful, but it’s not just that. There is love for everyone at the same time. Above all, it warms the heart he says.
He has been attending Christmas dinners for five years, it’s a special moment each time. ” Those are friends, my brothers, my sisters. If we have nothing left behind, fortunately we have them “, he continues. This year, Jean-Pierre loves the starter, a ” financial with smoked salmon and lime “. At another table, there is Eveline. ” That’s wonderful. Really, people are full of love “, she says. She lost her husband less than a year ago and she is having a great time surrounded by all these people. ” I don’t regret, because I was apprehensive. I didn’t really want to, but it’s very, very good “, she continues.
” The same commitment: to serve »
She chooses a song to sing together. The animation of the meal is managed by volunteers, like Jacques. One year, he makes Christmas in his family and the other year, he is ” with the family too, at Les Petits Frères (poor) “. ” Because I made friends. And then, we are all driven by the same commitment: to serve. To serve people who are unlucky in life. And it pulls us up he says. The recipients then all receive gifts, along with a letter from a child. For Éveline, it was little Margaux who wrote her a few words.
Note that in France, nearly two million elderly people are isolated at Christmas, according to a study by Ifop. 600 people are supported by the Little Brothers of the Poor in the Pays de la Loire region.
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