Situated in the center of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, this Beth Myriam has been active for many years now, and is supported by the True Life in God Association of Venezuela and the TLIG Prayer Groups. Twenty TLIG volunteers are available, rotating their time to help. The Beth Myriam feeds, gives Reading and Writing lessons for adults and children, bathes their guests, and gives them clean clothes. 350 meals are served daily from Monday to Friday. Medical assistance is given to about 40 persons daily, medical supplies are donated by the employees of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.
Lunch shift in the BM
Waiting for their turn to bathe
Recently, the TLIG volunteers organized a day of Spiritual Recollection for the poor that frequent their Beth Myriam, and invited 4 generous medical doctors who offered the needy free medical assistance. Two hairdressers were on hand to cut the hair of the poor in the Beth Myriam. Many of the people who come to be helped are elderly beggars who live in the streets, turning to Our Lady’s House for the only decent food they eat, and for the only health care they can get. The TLIG volunteers take them to hospital when they are in need of medical help.
Feeding the needy
Testimony
Testimony from the Beth Myriam Caregiver about Gustavo Cardozo, 59 yrs. old, beggar
Gustavo has been frequenting the Beth Myriam since it was founded 4 yrs. ago. He generally never missed a day. Since he is an alcoholic, he would always tell Benito, the caregiver his problems and that he should listen to him. Normally, the problem is some physical pain, an inflammation of his feet or hands. He lives in the streets and sleeps in Plaza Propatria, in front of the Beth Myriam. They have asked him to be careful because there are Death Squads in the night. There were 2 or 3 poor people who had been found with their hands tied in the garbage bins with 5 bullets in the neck. In the city, there are more than 18 murders that happen at night, and the police do nothing.
Gustavo speaks: “ It has been 4 yrs. that I come to eat here. They treat me very well, and I fill myself. It is almost the only food I eat all day. I drink a lot, but I cannot avoid it. That way, I do not feel the cold at night. I like this house very much and I always come to eat, if not I would die of hunger. I have no family. Thanks be to God and the Virgin we have this.”
In the past, Gustavo was an exceptional salesman who traveled all over Venezuela selling spareparts for cars, and had his family. He does not remember if he had children. He does not like to speak nor be asked about this. He is gentle and never fights with anyone. He is a bit slow when he is drunk. He helps a lot in the Beth Myriam.
Benito Prieto Beth Myriam Caregiver
Contact information
Address: Caracas, Venezuela Av. 3a entre calle 6, Propatria 7 Responsible: Benito Prieto, Carmen Fernandez, Rosalia Camerlingo Email:
