Fundación Padre Semería - Hogares de Amor. Hogar de Menores

The precursor of the initiative and founder of the three foster homes in Chile was the Italian Barnabite priest Antonio Botazzi.

 

Father Antonio arrived in Chile in 1965 for his first apostolic work. His work allowed him to understand that the main cause of crime was originated during childhood and the triggering factor was the lack of development and education opportunities. Then he realized that if at least he could avoid that one child ended up in jail, his priesthood would be worthwhile.

Having that in mind, he conceived a project to receive children in social risk in Chile.

 

This is how in 1983, Foundation Padre Semería was founded, receiving its name in honor of Father Giovanni Semeria, priest of the Barnavita Congregation.

Father Antonio focused his work on young people because in contrast to children and to the elderly, young boys and girls received less support. He created two foster homes in La Pintana (Nazareth and Buen Camino) in order to be able receive brothers and sisters and to keep them united.

 

Years later, he moved to San Vicente de Tagua-Tagua where he created a third foster home, Felice Sala.

Although he faced obstacles that were seemingly insurmountable, Father Antonio never gave up and was able to believe, had faith and the courage to keep going on.

 

Father Antonio left an inedible mark on the lives of all the youth he came in contact with. Many of them have formed their own families and are a living testimony of the brotherly love that Father Antonio taught them. In many cases, this even meant the difference between finding God or living without Him.

 

 

​​"Doing good means love"

"Do as much good as you can: God will give you the graces for it"

Father Antonio Botazzi