Loreto, a bright life
Loreto Rey Arnáiz has left an indelible memory in many people. Her task has been a permanent call to live joyfully in favour of others, particularly those who suffer the most in our world.
She belonged to the Workers’ Vanguard Christian Community from its start, and suffered a multitude of searches by Franco’s police in her home on Argumosa Street. She was one of the founders of Oscar Romero Solidarity Committees in Spain and of People’s Christian Communities.
About 1990 she travelled to the then Zaire with other members of her community, in response to a call from the communities there to learn about their reality and spread the word about their oppression, impoverishment, fights and hopes. They were so impressed that, upon their return, they founded the Committees for Solidarity with Black Africa. Since then, she dedicated her life to do everything within her power to help Africa and its peoples.
Later, we created the Munzihirwa group to offer our solidarity to African peoples, in addition to disseminating alternative information mainly on the conflicts and daily reality of Black Africa. We created A Fondo bulletin, still published and distributed by the Committees for Black Africa.
Her immense humanity stands out above everything else and must be emphasized.
Loreto, dear sister and friend, you have now regained your full brightness and your watchful, incisive, prophetic and contemplative look. Please, continue being with us. So many of you are leaving that we feel like orphans without your presence… Give us your hope, your joy, which are for us today as vital and necessary as every day’s bread and light.
(Miguel Ángel Mesa. Extracts from his blog: https://www.religiondigital.org/otro_mundo_es_posible/Loreto-vida-luminosa_7_2325737412.html )