Santiago del Estero, Argentina—UPF-Argentina hosted a family gathering to recognize ten couples who have been together for a quarter century or more. The event was held on October 13, 2023, to mark Mother’s Day on October 20, in Santiago del Estero in northern Argentina. The meeting took place at the Parque Sur Oval, a beautiful and modern auditorium in the historical city, founded in 1553. As the oldest city in the country, it is nicknamed the “Mother of Cities.”
The event was the inspiration of Peace Ambassador and writer Hugo Ramírez and his wife Ana María Hrouzek, who served as the host and hostess. They gave the welcoming remarks and read two touching poems: “Los Frutos” (“The Fruits”) and “Los Sueños Imposibles” (“Impossible Dreams”). Sergio Páez, president of the TRAEER Association, gave a brief speech, expressing gratitude for the sacred institution of marriage.
The couples’ years of marriage ranged from 29 to 52 years. Each couple was awarded a certificate, presented by Miguel Werner, president of UPF-Argentina, and his wife Alba Luz Tangarife. The certificates read: “For promoting, with their life testimony of so many years of marriage, an example of commitment to the values of altruism, mutual respect and dialogue, solidarity and cooperation, empathy and patience, love and family.”
Tears of love and gratitude accompanied the presentations and testimonies of the couples as they received their certificates and exchanged flowers and kisses. Emcee Ofelia González then introduced singer Sol Murad, who gave a delightful performance, accompanied by Bauty González on keyboard.
A UPF introductory video was followed by a speech by Miguel Werner on “Building Bridges to Peace: with our Creator, with our Neighbors and with Creation.” Two additional short videos introduced the International Day of Families and the Peace Road project, a world campaign that has been held in Argentina since 2015.
The event concluded with a group photo, followed by light snacks and flowers for all mothers in attendance, in celebration of Mother’s Day.
The couples who received award certificates were: Oscar Saavedra and Claudia Hoyos; Enrique Páez and Liliana Ávila; Carlos Martínez and Gladys Mattar; Juan Storniolo and Marcela Mayuli; Silvio González and Nora Ibáñez; Guillermo Orozco and Graciela Robles; Hugo Ramírez and Ana Hrouzek; José Santucho and Ana López; Omar González and Lidia Iturre; and Carlos Tejera and Lucía Arias.
For more than 15 years, UPF-Argentina has recognized couples who have reached their silver anniversaries, especially during the International Day of Families, as a way to strengthen intergenerational bonds and express appreciation for those who uphold the precious institutions of marriage and family, as pillars of society.
