new synergies for the pastoral care of the most fragile – Swiss Catholic Portal

La Pastorale de la rue and Accueil Sainte Elisabeth (ASE) celebrated their 30th and 10th years of existence respectively on November 17, 2024 in Fribourg. The opportunity was also to bless the new premises of the ASE and to welcome the new dynamics put in place to care for the most vulnerable.

On this sunny but cold November day, around forty people are gathered in the entrance hall of the Ursuline convent, in the center of Fribourg. Pascal Bregnard, director of Caritas Friborg and recently ordained permanent deacon, sprinkles the door of the new premises of Accueil Sainte Elisabeth (ASE) abundantly with holy water, as well as the audience. This is the last stage of the celebration which began an hour earlier at the Sainte-Ursule chapel. An event proposed as part of the World Day of the Poor, established by Pope Francis in 2017.

A welcome without judgment

The ASE opened in 2014 at the instigation of the Catholic parishes of the deanery of Fribourg. The structure offers an unconditional welcome to anyone who crosses its threshold: homeless people, migrants, isolated people or people in difficulty. “The objective is to offer a daytime reception, intended for everyone, where you can drink coffee and benefit from listening,” Olivier Messer, head of the ASE, explains to cath.ch. It is a space where everyone can feel welcomed, respected and listened to, without judgement, where we can create connections, put down what weighs us down.” Previously located on rue de Morat, the structure has been in place since last September on the ground floor of Ursulines, at Rue de Lausanne.

A “fraternal” approach

Beyond the first reception, the ASE offers leisure activities, such as community meals and parties, with the aim of socialization. Aid also plays a big role. It often involves administrative assistance, French lessons or, increasingly, technical support, notes Olivier Messer.

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Over the years, poverty always changes a little, notes the pastoral assistant. Although the proportion of Swiss and people with immigrant backgrounds has not changed much, new nationalities are appearing depending on the global situation. Thus, in recent years, there have been more Ukrainians.

Of course, the help is also spiritual for those who wish it, even if they are not a majority, admits Olivier Messer. “We are essentially in a fraternal approach.”

Presence with sex workers

Following the religious ceremony, participants can visit the new ASE premises and have an aperitif dinner. Pascal Bregnard highlights, on this occasion, the 30th anniversary of Street Pastoral Care. Created in 1994, the latter began its action by offering support to marginalized people at Friborg station. It then extended its presence to Bulle station. Currently, she also has a pastoral presence with sex workers in Grand Fontaine, in the lower town of Fribourg.

Gathering of offers

A presence of the Church which, for street listener Jean-Marc Buchs, is more essential than ever. “Going to these people is just being faithful to the Gospel,” assures the pastoral agent. It is also a question of credibility for the Church.” For him, the entire ecclesial institution can in fact benefit from it. “Sectors of the Church can certainly enlighten each other. What is experienced in street ministry can also radiate into parish structures.”

At the Ursulines, the new collaborations were also welcomed. The ASE has recently joined the Diaconie service of Caritas Fribourg. One of the first fruits of this dynamic is the bringing together of administrative support offers in the same place, with digital hotlines several times a week. “It’s about creating synergies which can be very valuable,” comments Pascal Bregnard. We are always smarter together.” (cath.ch/com/rz)