Support for 21 religious sisters and one brother
The Republic of Moldova became independent in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the east, north and south, and is among the poorest countries in Europe. Different sources put the population at anywhere between 2.5 and 4 million people. One reason for this discrepancy is the fact that a significant proportion of the adult population no longer live permanently in the country but travel abroad to earn a living, while the children and the elderly remain at home. In fact, there are estimated to be over 100,000 of these “Euro-orphans” – children whose parents are alive but living abroad as migrant workers in other European countries. These children are either left to their own devices or cared for by grandparents, who themselves are often in need of care. Especially tragic are the cases where the mothers either never return or only return years later, having been victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution.
The war in Ukraine has caused the country’s economy to deteriorate even further, with a sharp rise in prices. Additionally, the country has taken in over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees.
Inevitably, in such a situation, the Catholic Church herself is very much dependent on outside support. Catholics make up only a tiny minority in the Republic of Moldova, with around 20,000 belonging to the Diocese of Chişinău, the capital city and the only Catholic diocese in the country. Today it has 20 Catholic parishes and 27 priests, plus 21 religious sisters and one brother, belonging between them to eight different congregations. Together they minister to the needs of the poor and abandoned, the sick, the elderly, and the children. They offer a precious service of loving charity in the parishes and are also involved in catechesis and the preparation of the sacraments, as sacristans and parish assistants, keeping the churches clean and fittingly decorated and thus ensuring the dignified celebration of Holy Mass. Furthermore, they support and comfort those in need and help with the upbringing of children who have been left abandoned and without proper care.
Bishop Anton Coşa is very grateful for their precious apostolate and has requested our help for them. He writes: “They are bringing the healing word of the Lord to all those searching for God and to every house and home. They are the glowing hearts within our parishes.”
We are proposing to give $30,800 for the support of the 21 religious sisters and one religious brother working for the Church, who are offering their service for free and expecting nothing in return, despite the rising cost of living. Will you help us?
