November 7, 2010.  Cardinal Lluis Martinez Sistach, the Pope visited the charity of “Obra Benefico-Social Nen Deu.” Their organization has been working with the disabled since 1892.

Without doubt this was one of the most special moments of his visit to Spain.

Guided by the Mother Superior, Benedict spent a few minutes in the chapel center greeting patients and their families.  He also met with the 80 health workers and eight religious faculty members in the center as well as their families. 


One of the most emotional moments of the visit came from two children who thanked the Pope for his visit.


Nen Deu Girl
"I want to thank you for coming to our house"


Some of the children from the center dedicated a song in Catalan to the Pope.
The Mother Superior thanked the parents of the disabled children for entrusting them with the care of their children.  She added that the children were "the greatest treasure."

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“These families, in the acceptance of their children, have said “yes to life.”  These children are weak, helpless, and misunderstood by our materialistic society that lacks authentic values.  But in the eyes of God they come first in the kingdom of heaven.”


In the speech, Benedict stressed the importance of their work and said that all people should be treated without distinction.


Benedict XVI
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“It is clear that, for the Christian, every man and woman is a true sanctuary of God, and should be treated with the highest respect and affection,
above all when they are in need.” 

The Pope also spoke about how developments in technology should aim at improving the care for the weakest.

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“It is necessary that new technological developments in the field of medicine must never be to the detriment of respect for human life and dignity, so that those who suffer physical illnesses or handicaps can always receive that love and attention required to make them fell valued as persons in their special needs.” 


The Pope said good-bye to the residents and workers of the Nen Deu center, thanking them for their work, he compared it to his feelings toward the Good Samaritan. He also asked them to pray for him.

Benedict XVI
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“I assure you that you have a special place in the Pope's heart.  I pray for you every day and I ask you to help me by means of your prayers so that I may faithfully fulfill the mission entrusted to me by Christ.” 

Before leaving, the pope blessed the cornerstone of a new residence for the center.

Currently, the welfare fund Nen Deu offers assistance to 250 patients between the ages of 3 and 21 years old with severe epilepsy problems, autism and personality or behavioral disorders.


Before leaving for the Barcelona Airport, the Pope wanted to personally greet the thousands of people waiting for him outside of Nen Deu. He received one last shower of applause before leaving for Rome. 


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-WP