The Republic of Moldova lies to the east of Romania and is bordered by Ukraine to the south and west. Since gaining independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, this small nation has remained one of the poorest in Europe.
The social reality is marked by a significant proportion of the adult population living abroad to earn a living, leaving children and the elderly behind. Tragically, many mothers never return after falling victim to human trafficking. It is estimated that 100,000 children are affected by this parental migration, left to fend for themselves or in the care of grandparents who often need assistance themselves.
A Ministry of Consolation Amidst Neglect
Today, 22 Catholic religious sisters and one religious brother from eight different congregations are dedicated to serving the poor, the sick, the elderly, and neglected children. Their multifaceted labor includes:
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Providing consolation and care for abandoned children.
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Working within parishes to provide catechetical instruction.
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Performing essential churchwarden services to ensure Holy Mass is celebrated worthily.
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Maintaining and decorating the churches.
Bishop Anton Coşa has expressed his profound gratitude for their service. However, the Catholic Church in Moldova is small and remains heavily dependent on international aid.
“The economic situation has been made still worse as a result of the war in Ukraine and church collections have inevitably dwindled as a result. The Catholic population, who number only around 20,000 faithful, can for the most part give no more than the famous ‘widow’s mite’”.
A Commitment to Hope and Survival
These 23 religious sisters and brothers provide their services freely out of love for God, even as they personally struggle with a soaring cost of living and high inflation.
To support their mission, ACN has stepped in to provide a subsidy of 23,000 Euros for the coming year to cover their overall living costs, amounting to 1,000 Euros per person. This support is indispensable for them to continue bringing hope and consolation to those who have been forgotten. Will you help us to help them?
