President’s visit to Argentina is ‘worth more to the poor than gold or diamonds’
- The Irish Independent, 22nd March 2004

Sarah Murphy in Argentina

MISSIONARY priest Fr Liam Hayes may be the only Irish man in the Argentinian province where he lives, but he's made a big impression.

A member of the Divine World Missionaries from Limerick, he has devoted 19 years to working with the poor in Obera.
The Hogar Santa Teresita project, established in 1993 by Fr Hayes, looks after up to 29 mentally disabled people between five and 80 years of age.

Fr Hayes described President McAleese's visit - during which she unveiled a plaque to mark the centre's opening - as a "Godsend" and a "powerful incentive" to the volunteers.
“The President's visit here is more valuable than gold or diamonds to us,” said Fr Hayes. “I have fallen in love with these people and my conscience will not let me go.”

President McAleese told those gathered at the project buildings that Ireland remembers what it is to be poor.

“We have a third world memory from the days when we were poor and hungry and our people had to emigrate to find hope,” she said.

“That memory has always given us hearts of care and compassion for those who suffer in the world from lack of opportunity.

“It has compelled many of our people to share the journey with those who are suffering,” she said.

Visiting Hogar del Virgin de Lujan, a home for the elderly in Guarani, the President met with Sister Lucilia Ryan (73) of the Poor Clares, who rarely leaves her enclosed order.

Today, the President begins her three-day tour of Chile, where she will be conferred with an honorary doctorate at the University of Chile.