"The presence and support of the loved ones, in particular, of several generations in the same family is one of the most important values in Christmas celebrations, however it should be promoted and encouraged on a daily basis," stated the Regional Under Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation.

Rodrigo Oliveira spoke on behalf of the President of the Government at the Christmas lunch organised by the Luís Soares de Sousa Home in Ponta Delgada, adding that "the European Union is aware of this issue and has decided to celebrate the 2012 as the "European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity."

"Active ageing may provide older people with the opportunity to continue to play an important role in society, to feel useful in the community and to have a healthy, independent and fulfilled life. In this context, the Luís Soares de Sousa Home is an example, through the organisation of various activities addressed at the elderly," stated the government official.

Rodrigo Oliveira recalled that "future challenges brought by the year 2012, cannot be overcome without the special attention of public entities to social issues, particularly those related to our senior citizens." The Azorean Government, making use of the Autonomous Region's prerogatives, awards priority status to the allocation of resources to those who need the most, such as companies, families and the poorest citizens."

Furthermore, the Regional Under Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation highlighted the role of the Luís Soares de Sousa Home, "an institution at service to our community for over one hundred years, for its activity and solidarity spirit, bringing comfort, support and care to many people." The government official also addressed "words of appraisal and recognition" to the managing bodies of that institution as well as to forty people working at the aforementioned home.

Rodrigo Oliveira also evoked "the inspiring personality of Luís Soares de Sousa, one of the founders and patrons of this institution. He lived at a time when opportunities and support measures were unavailable, becoming one of the most important businesspersons and industrialists of the Azores; however, he was above all a man deeply attached to social causes and one of the greatest supporters of the autonomy cause in the late 19th century.

"Luís Soares de Sousa represents the cross-cutting principles for several generations, which we ought to defend in our Region: - entrepreneurship, solidarity and Autonomy," stated Rodrigo Oliveira, who concluded with "a simpler message, but full of meaning, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2012 full of health."