CATHOLIC MISSION’S
Work with Communities
$5.9M*
96
11,107
distributed to community programs
projects in 23 countries
catechists supported through Catholic Mission programs
As the humanitarian crisis unfolded in Ukraine, Catholic Mission responded to an urgent call for help from its mission partners in Poland and Romania. As an agency in the worldwide network of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), we are grateful to play a part in the critical work of assisting refugees desperately fleeing the conflict.
Learn more about our work with communities
Fr Eugen Blaj, National Director of PMS Romania, describes scenes of desperation and compassion as Ukrainians seek shelter across the border. “In Romania, local parishioners provide emergency relief and pastoral support. The majority [of those fleeing] are women with children. The refugee centres are crowded, the services basic and local parishioners do what they can to provide mattresses, bedsheets, pillows and food, as well as nappies and basic sanitary items.” Fr Eugen speaks of the pressures faced families with children:
“Maybe you can stay one night in a room with 20 beds or more, but that is not a normal life. Families are desperately looking for a place where they can stay longer, at least for a few weeks.” In Poland, refugees are received into local parishes. At the PMS chapel, they pray for world peace. Fr Maciej Bedzinski, PMS National Director in Poland, expresses his gratitude for the support from Australia. “This shows that the Pontifical Mission Societies are one big family, a missionary family,” he says.
*For the exact amount, see page 22.
16
Catholic Mission Annual Report 2021-22
