Isidoro Macías
Isidoro Macías Martin , also known as Padre patera , (born January 31, 1945 in Minas de San Telmo / Huelva ) is a Spanish Franciscan . He is now known nationwide in Spain for his commitment to refugees. The Time magazine chose him in 2003 as one of the "heroes of Europe", he was next awarded numerous civil and social prices.
Early life and entry into the Order
He was born into a poor family and is one of six children. While he was doing his military service in Ceuta , he got to know the Franciscan Isidoro Lezcano Guerra, who at the time looked after marginalized groups of society. He then helped Guerra with his duties, including in Tangier . Then he decided to become a Franciscan as well. He belongs to the Franciscans of the White Cross ( Franciscanos de la Cruz Blanca ) , which has existed as a diocesan congregation since 1975 . He received his habit from the then Archbishop of Tangier and later Cardinal Carlos Amigo Vallejo . In 1977 he was transferred to Cáceres , he also worked in Venezuela and the Ivory Coast .
Activities for refugees
For many years, Isidoro Macías has primarily taken care of boat refugees who are trying to get from Africa to Europe via the Strait of Gibraltar . With donations he has been running a house in Algeciras since 1982, in which he has already looked after several hundred refugees, his main focus is on pregnant women or those with small children. He has been arrested multiple times for violating immigration laws. His "second" name, Padre patera , comes from the Spanish word for a small boat without a keel, a patera that alludes to the types of boats used by the refugees.
He has received numerous prizes for his social commitment. He is the holder of the gold medal of the city of Algeciras, the Medal of Merit of the Guardia Civil , the Honorary Award of the Region of Andalusia and other awards.
Literature on Isidoro Macías
- María Vallejo-Nágera: Luna negra: la luz del Padre Pateras. Belacqva de Ediciones, Barcelona 2004 ISBN 9788496326231 .
Web links
- padrepatera.net (Spanish)
swell
- huelvainformacion.es , accessed March 25, 2013
- spiegel.de , accessed on March 25, 2013
- todosuno.org , accessed March 25, 2013
Individual evidence
- ↑ todosuno.org , accessed March 25, 2013.
- ↑ a b spiegel.de , accessed on March 25, 2013.
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Macías, Isidoro |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Macías Martin, Isidoro; Padre patera |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Spanish Franciscan and refugee worker |
| DATE OF BIRTH | January 31, 1945 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Minas de San Telmo |