Switzerland

Map of groups

Key figures

  • First organisation 1956
  • Member organisations 9
  • Trial members 0

From an early age, Marcel Farine was actively involved in the political, social and religious spheres. He and his wife, Thérèse went to Abbé Pierre’s conference, “Poverty judges the world” in Berne in February 1956. They were moved by his message, “I ask you to give something that is harder to give than your wealth: give more of yourselves”, and were drawn to meet him. Two days later, during freezing weather, more than 200 people took part in the first emergency action, donating coal, clothing, ovens and food to 850 families. This is how the Emmaus Friends of Berne was set up. Marcel Farine was elected the first chair of Emmaus International in 1971. 

Member organisations