“Father Kemp,” the man who has rehabilitated more than 9,500 alcoholics and drug addicts, celebrates 40 years of the Cottolengo Center.
To celebrate 40 years of uninterrupted service in the state, with encouraging and reflective stories of overcoming addictions, the Cottolengo Yucatan Rehabilitation Center is preparing a breakfast with a cause, which will be held next Thursday, February 20th starting at 8:30 a.m. at its facilities, located on the Merida Periférico.
Jesuit Priest Raúl Ignacio Kemp Lozano, also known as “Father Kemp” and who is the founder and director of Cottolengo, said that the idea of this event is to raise sufficient funds for the rehabilitation center to continue operating and highlighted that, after four decades of work, they have managed to rehabilitate more than 9,500 people between 20 and 52 years old.
He acknowledged that the work has not been easy over the years, but thanks to the support of the board and other donors who have joined the cause, Cottolengo currently remains a free center that provides help and rehabilitation to people who have a problem with drinking or drug use.
During a visit to the Rehabilitation Center facilities, “Father Kemp” indicated that this year the cost of the ticket will be 400 pesos as a donation so that they can continue with the help provided, in addition to the fact that a total of 400 tickets will be offered so that people who wish to join this noble cause can cooperate.
He specified that the passes can be requested from Esperanza Bernés Rivera, at the cell phone number 9991 49-35-32, or on the day of the event at the entrance to the Center; he commented that on the day of the breakfast, the program will include choirs, music and testimonies of recovery from various people who entered Cottolengo by their own decision and who have found in the love of God and the Virgin the strength to move forward.
He thanked the people and the authorities who have contributed out of good will and continue to donate. He also remembers with joy all the nuns of Charity who have given their lives to help recover alcoholics and drug addicts, including Sister Mercedes and Sisters Lourdes, Alicia, Isabel, Magdalena, Nelly and Lupita, who currently coordinate different tasks at Cottolengo.
Regarding the menu that will be offered on the day of breakfast, “Father Kemp” explained that it will include Danish crepes (ham, cheese, cream, pepper, corn and peas), bacon quiche, broccoli and cheddar cheese, as well as beans with toast.
“It is a traditional annual breakfast that the the Cottolengo board organizes, and many sectors of society are aware of it and they collaborate with great pleasure,” Kemp stated.
Cottolengo is located at kilometer 23.5 of the Mérida Periférico, near the Chichí Suárez Hacienda bridge; the event will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the auditorium, at the back of the Rehabilitation Center.
TYT Newsroom
