>> They consider relevant its assistance program aimed at vulnerable groups, helping more than 30 NGOs and Social Welfare areas of 15 municipalities in Mallorca, as well as its health promotion actions among more than 70 schools and the CPAP of the IMAS.
The Confraternity of Our Lady of Hope and Peace celebrated the main event of its annual festivities in honor of its patron saint at the Royal Basilica of Sant Francesc in Palma. The day’s main novelty was the presentation, for the first time, of the Esperança Award, a recognition created by the organization to honor individuals or institutions committed to social responsibility, community service, and support for vulnerable groups.
The event brought together nearly five hundred people, including members of the brotherhood, family members, institutional representatives and attendees, in a celebration that combines the religious, historical and social character of one of the oldest brotherhoods in Palma, founded in 1924.
The Royal Basilica of Sant Francesc, the canonical headquarters of the Brotherhood, hosted the solemn mass in honor of Our Lady of Hope, officiated before the image of the patron saint and accompanied musically by the Musical Group of the Brotherhood itself.
During the religious ceremony, the Board of Directors presented commemorative plaques to members celebrating twenty-five years of membership, as well as medals to new members joining this year. These acts are part of the usual protocol for the festivities and aim to recognize continuity and generational renewal within the Brotherhood.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the inaugural Esperança Award, established this year to coincide with the feast day of the patron saint. The award was granted to the ADEMA+ Foundation, following a unanimous decision by the Board of Directors of the Confraternity. With this recognition, the organization wished to highlight its long-standing work in the fields of education, social services, welfare, and research.
As explained by the president of the Brotherhood, Pedro Barceló, “the choice of the ADEMA+ Foundation reflects the deep respect and admiration for its work. The organization is an example that embodies the principles of hope, peace, education, and service to the community, and its work is a benchmark in the promotion of humanist values and in strengthening the social fabric of Mallorca.”
The distinction awarded by the Confraternity of Our Lady of Hope and Peace, according to its president, Pedro Barceló, “reflects the values that define our institution, always committed to solidarity, service to the community, and care for those experiencing vulnerability.” “Our history of supporting non-profit organizations and our constant promotion of social support initiatives characterize us as a benchmark of human commitment and community cohesion, qualities that give meaning to the awarding of this first recognition.”
Among the initiatives recognized by this award, the Oral Health Care and Promotion Program for vulnerable groups, promoted by the ADEMA+ Foundation, stands out. This initiative combines academic excellence and social commitment through a well-established service-learning model.
The program is a collaborative effort involving more than 30 non-governmental organizations and social entities in Mallorca, as well as the social services departments of 15 municipalities, including Palma and the municipalities of the Pla de Mallorca Commonwealth. Thanks to this network of cooperation, more than 2,500 vulnerable individuals received care at ADEMA’s Integrated University Clinic during the 2024/2025 academic year.
Also noteworthy are their promotional programs among school children, which already reach 8,400 students and more than 70 schools, and among older people in Personal Autonomy Promotion centers, managed by IMAS, as well as their international project in Wasini-Kenya.
During the event, the president of the Brotherhood, Pedro Barceló, thanked the participants for their attendance and emphasized the significance of this first edition of the award, placing it within the history of an institution that, since its founding, has maintained an active presence in the social and religious life of the city. He also expressed his appreciation to the members of the Musical Group for their participation in the liturgical service and to the members of the Brotherhood for their continued involvement.
Following the religious ceremony, attendees gathered in the cloister of the Sant Francesc convent, where refreshments were served. This space served as the closing of the event and as a meeting point for members of the brotherhood, family, and friends, maintaining a tradition historically associated with the festival.