He Argentine writer and philanthropist Alejandro Roemmers was awarded in Rome with the prestigious Saint Francis Awardrecognition given by the Pontifical Antonianum Universitybecoming the first time that this distinction of the Franciscan Order is delivered to a person, and recognizes his work in promoting human values such as compassion and solidarity, in tune with the Franciscan charism and the Pope Francisco.
For years, Roemmers has supported various human development projects in South America and Africa. He is a noted patron of artists and president of the Argentine Foundation for Poetry. In addition, it is promoting an initiative of universal hugs for fraternity to promote peace and love among the inhabitants of the planet.
The renowned writer -also a musical, theatrical and audiovisual producer- received the award in the Aula Magna of the headquarters of the Pontifical Antonianum University Rome, on April 28. This distinction of the Franciscan Order It has been held for several decades, but this is, for the first time in history, in which a lay person is recognized.
the choice of Roemmers it was made by him College of University Professorswith the agreement of Rector, Fray Agustín Hernández Vidales. And the jury highlighted the remarkable Franciscan vocation of the winner. “Alejandro is a person close to his neighbor, according to the preaching of Jesus and San Francisco de Asis. He promotes characteristic spiritual values of his person and linked to the Franciscan charism”, assured the rector Hernandez Vidales.
“Learning about the granting of the Saint Francis Award It produced in me a reaction of astonishment, inner joy, responsibility and commitment. It means recognition and endorsement of all my actions tending to communicate a message of individual peace and universal coexistence; of love and compassion for all living beings in order to preserve the spiritual values of humanity in an increasingly technological world,” said Roemmers upon learning of the recognition.
Vatican News highlighted that this year “the prize was awarded for the first time, not for a work written as it has been done on 19 occasions, but for the modus operandi of the winner born in Argentina, and for his way of living following the charism of Saint Francis. .”
Currently, Roemmers promotes the initiative of universal hugs for brotherhood. The first event on this took place on April 30 at the Porciuncola of the Sanctuary of Santa María de los Ángeles in Assisi, Perugia. The idea is to generate hugs in different cities of the world, with the participation of young people of all ethnic groups, to promote peace and love among the inhabitants of the planet. The initiative is inspired by the constant proclamation of Saint Francis of Assisi “We are all brothers”. Thus, the Argentine writer seeks to motorize the crusade towards the recovery of love and peace, beginning with an inner change in each one of us. The next hugs will take place in United States, Japan, Mexico and Argentina. And its purpose is to try to heal with love places where there has been pain.
