In a land where walking long distances is usually a sign of distress, an annual pilgrimage for peace is raising questions and changing attitudes. When Pope Francis announced his visit to South Sudan in 2022, young Catholics in the Diocese of Rumbek were naturally excited. “They kept saying they wanted to go and see him,” …
Category archives: Feature story
Bailasan: a balm for mental health issues in the Holy Land
The Bailasan Counselling Centre is the first Catholic psychosocial and mental health institution aimed exclusively at helping the Christian community in the West Bank. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) funded the renovation work at the centre and recently spoke to those whose job it is to care for a population suffering from a …
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ACN help is “like the hand of God, saving lives” in Mozambique
A missionary sister who works in the Diocese of Pemba, which is racked by terrorism and still deeply affected by a recent cyclone, thanks Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) for the help it provides civilians. Sister Aparecida Queiroz from the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus (photo) arrived in the Diocese of Pemba, …
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“In our workshops, women discover many gifts they did not even know they had”
Missionaries in Cuba On March 8 was celebrated International Women’s Day.We want to highlight the work of religious sisters from the Company of Mary in Cuba, who have managed to continue providing assistance to youth, the elderly, and women with the help of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). “This is a time to …
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10 Years Later: Akash Bashir remains an inspiration in Pakistan and around the world
March 15 2025 marked the tenth anniversary of the death of Akash Bashir, a 20-year-old Catholic who sacrificed his life to save hundreds of people when he intercepted a suicide bomber trying to access the church of Saint John, in Youhanabad, in the Diocese of Lahore, Pakistan. That act led to his being raised to …
Ukraine: Bringing hope and God’s presence to the front line
Three years of war have increased the spiritual needs of soldiers in Ukraine. Military chaplains are at their side day after day, helping them to bear their suffering. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) heard from chaplains about how they share God’s love and presence in the midst of death and destruction. (Photo: A …
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Dominican Republic: Over six hours on the road to spread the faith
Father Júnior Vásquez suffered a very serious foot injury a few years ago, due to the bad condition of his car. Now, with a new vehicle donated by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), he can reach even the remotest areas more easily. Father Júnior Vásquez (photo) spends over six hours per day on …
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Kenya: a total transformation for rescued girls
For many years, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has provided support, especially through scholarships, to members of the Assumption Sisters of Eldoret. Using the skills obtained through this aid, the sisters have been helping to get girls off the streets of Nairobi. During a visit to Aid to the Church in Need’s headquarters …
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Burkina Faso – Vocations grow despite terrorism
Despite the widespread terrorism, which is increasingly affecting Burkina Faso, and although priests and catechists are the main targets among pastoral agents, the country has seen a growth in priestly vocations in recent years. Supporting the training of these future priests is one of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s priorities. While for most …
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Mexico: “The hardest thing is telling a child their father has been killed.”
In one of the most dangerous states in Mexico, the Worker Sisters help children who are exposed to violence. With support from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), they also train novices who grew up in difficult environments, preparing them to bring hope to vulnerable communities. “One of our children saw his father be …
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