2 minute read
Helping Ukrainian refugees in crisis
Emergency efforts of the Church for refugees fleeing the conflict are Ukraine is making a great difference, however there is still much to do to support those in need for the long-term.
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The ongoing crisis in Ukraine has left thousands of families homeless and without access to basic resources. Everyday on the news and social media we see destruction and loss – distanced physically, but not emotionally, from this situation.
Catholic Mission is standing with those affected, partnering with the Church in Poland and Romania, who are desperately trying to comfort and support refugees fleeing across the border from Ukraine. While emergency relief is still priority, there is also an urgent need for social and pastoral care for children, women and men who have lost so much.
Fr Eugen Blaj, National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies (Catholic Mission) in Romania says that while local refugee centres are at capacity, they are still providing urgent care where needed, but it’s only a short-term option.
“You can imagine families with children, maybe you can stay one night in a room with 20 beds or more (but) that is not a normal life.
Fr Eugen has welcomed many refugee families into his own home.
“The Church tries to help them very much, I try to help them very much, as much as I can. Offering them comfort... here it’s a normal life in my house.”
Fr Eugen says that many refugees don’t have official documents with them which makes it difficult to process passport and visa applications, and that local agencies are now focusing their efforts as much on social and pastoral care as they are on emergency relief.
Fr Eugen says the generosity from Australia is making a direct impact on the lives of those who need it most.
“Thank you very much for the support,” he says. “And if you can continue the support, I appreciate it very much that we can take care of more and more people. May God bless you.”
The ongoing prayer and support for those affected by these tragic circumstances is an expression of the solidarity of the universal Church as we reach out to bring hope and give life to children, women and men who are facing desperate need and an uncertain future.
