San Lo Village
During World Youth Day in Paris in 1997, young Filipinos took part in gatherings organised by the Chemin Neuf Community. Links have been forged since then, and the Community organises retreats and events for these young people in Manila.
In 2012, the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Gaudencio Borbon Rosales, invited the Community to take charge of a student residence in the heart of Manila: the San Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Student Centre. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle welcomed and installed the brothers and sisters in 2013, who have since managed this home located in a working-class, overpopulated neighbourhood comprising several slums.
From 2013 to early 2020, the mission of the Community of Manila developed mainly around the management of the hostel and the pastoral care of the students welcomed each year, numbering up to 250.
During the pandemic, restrictions forced the closure of the shelter. Most Filipinos found themselves in great distress. The members of the Chemin Neuf Community decided to open their doors to support a population left to fend for itself.
Encouraged by the bishop, the brothers and sisters of the Community welcomed street children to SanLo and provided for their basic needs. They were also there to play with them, build relationships and help them catch up on their schooling. For these street children, school is their main opportunity for socialisation.
The missionary vision of the village of SanLo gradually took shape and developed. Teams visited families in the slums, and bonds were gradually strengthened. Training in parental responsibility and practical workshops to help them become economically independent were then offered to them.
Between 2013 and 2024, the Community is using its own creative resources to carry out a series of refurbishments on a number of rooms in the three buildings: painting, repairs, interior design, etc.
Today, after welcoming students from all over the Philippines for 40 years, the SanLo complex is in need of renovation and extensive refurbishment in order to continue and expand its mission of providing safe and comfortable accommodation for young people, street children and their families. We need your help for this project.