On 17^th January 1909, the “San Francisco de Borja” Sanatorium was opened to take care of leprosy patients, who had been suffering alone, isolated by a society fearful of this disease. It played a key role in the elimination of leprosy in Spain.

After 100 years of solidarity and dedication, Fontilles is now working with projects in Asia, Africa and America. Its objective, as was that of its founders, is “to take care of people affected by leprosy, providing cure, physical and social rehabilitation, and assistance to other diseases that provoke social exclusion”.  

This year, to celebrate this occasion, several commemorative events have been organized by Fontilles.

In December 2008 the film “Detrás de la piel” (“Behind the Skin”) was launched in Valencia. It is about the evolution of Fontilles and, above all, the experiences of the people who are part of its history. It was filmed in Norway, Brazil, the United Kingdom and the Sanatorium San Francisco de Borja. More than 30 people were interviewed. During the first months of 2009, the film was shown on a local Valencian TV channel as well as on TV channels of other cities such as Alicante and Zaragoza and met with great acclaim.

On 17^th January, to commemorate the opening of the Sanatorium, a homely ceremony was held in the Sanatorium. More than a thousand people, including representatives of the main authorities of the Valencian Community, joined Fontilles´ great family to remember their beginnings.

© Fontilles

The exhibition “Fontilles, cien años trabajando por un mundo sin lepra” (“Fontilles: a hundred years working for a world without leprosy”) was visited by more than 3,750 people during a month’s showing in Valencia. Over the next two years it is going to be shown in Alicante and other cities.

© Fontilles

On 29^th and 30^th January an International Symposium on Leprosy was held at the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo, in Valencia, with the participation of the main international experts on leprosy.

© Fontilles

A book about the role of the Franciscanas of the Inmaculada Sisters in the San Francisco de Borja Sanatorium was presented to the delegates at the Symposium. Another book, about the history of Fontilles, will be published soon.  The author, the historian Vicent Comes, has spent two years researching so as to be able to represent this Association’s work accurately.

The aim of these celebrations has been not only to remember and demonstrate all the objectives that have been achieved over the 100 years of its existence, but also to acknowledge all the goals that still lie ahead of Fontilles and assure those who approach Fontilles that it will continue working with the same interest and committed to helping people affected by leprosy.   

100 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY

1902 
The Jesuit Father, Carlos Ferris, and the lawyer, Don Joaquin Ballester, joined efforts to care for those with leprosy, who were suffering alone without any comfort or help, isolated by fearful people.

17^th January 1909
After seven years of struggle and endeavour the Sanatorium San Francisco de Borja opened its doors.

Patients were attended, as nowadays, by volunteers, Sisters Franciscanas de la Inmaculada, Jesuits and doctors.

1924
Patients were dedicated to occupational activities and the Sanatorium became a village with its own facilities: bakery, carpenters, smith’s shop, printing office, bindery, shoemaker, hairdresser, gardener, …

1947
International Leprosy Courses for doctors and health workers began in the Sanatorium.

1966
An out-patient system was initiated. The patients under treatment lived in their homes and attended the Sanatorium for check-ups.

1969
Fontilles joins ILEP, the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations. ILEP, founded in 1966, is made up of 14 autonomous non-governmental organisations from 10 countries that are working together for the common goal of a world without leprosy.

1989
Fontilles begins to work abroad. The first dispensaries were set up and help was given to chronically affected zones in India.

90s
Work abroad increased. Fontilles began to work in Araguaia, Brazil, with doctors and other general medical assistance.

Fontilles today

Fontilles is now working on projects in Asia, Africa and America. The objective, as was that of its founders, is “to take care of people affected by leprosy, providing cure, physical and social rehabilitation, and assistance to other diseases that provoke social exclusion”.  

All of the work of Fontilles has been possible thanks to its donors, friends and volunteers, who have always shown solidarity for the activities of Fontilles and who have continued to want to bring justice into the lives of people affected by leprosy.

Fontilles relies not only on its expertise and experience, but also fully acknowledges that it is dependent on the support of its donors, partners and friends – otherwise, it would not be able to reach leprosy patients, cure them and help them to overcome their handicaps so they can benefit from socio-economic rehabilitation.

E-mail: fontilles@fontilles.org
Website:  http://www.fontilles.org/

 

Categories: Members, News and Notes, Spain