Help Fund a New Parish House for a Poor Parish in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has suffered a painful history in recent times. Between 1991 and 2002, half the population were uprooted and forced to flee as the result of a bloody civil war which left thousands of people murdered. To this day the consequences of that conflict are still evident. Poverty, unemployment and corruption mark daily life in this West African nation, which is now among the poorest in the world. The situation was further exacerbated by natural disasters–notably the Ebola epidemic from 2014 to 2016–and more recently, the coronavirus pandemic.
Close to 70% of Sierra Leone‘s population of 8 million is Muslim, while 20% or so still follow traditional African religions. While Catholics represent only a small minority, the Church is widely respected throughout society for her many schools and her selfless help for all people, regardless of religious affiliation. Yet the Church herself is also poor, and most of her priests themselves live in poverty.
One of these priests is Father Emmanuel Francis Allie of the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in the Lakka quarter of the capital, Freetown. He is uncomplaining, though he has every reason to complain, as he currently lives, works and prays in an almost derelict house which is also subject to constant flooding. The roof leaks, and when it rains, the ground becomes a lake. The state of the plumbing and electrical wiring is beyond repair, and the rotting steps of the wooden stairs threaten to collapse at any moment. It is also very noisy there.
“I can never find the silence that is so necessary for the spiritual life,” Father Allie tells us. Worst of all, there is no security: anyone can gain access to the grounds, which is a real danger, given the high crime rate in the area. Originally, this large multi-occupancy house was used to accommodate victims of the civil war, but now it is in such a derelict state that it is virtually unfit for human habitation.
The parishioners have been trying to help their priest, but they themselves are poor and have little to give. Father Allie also felt it was far more important to first of all build a parish church before thinking of himself. Now they have exhausted what financial resources they had–and the economic crisis has only made everyone poorer than ever. Meanwhile, the house continues to decay in the heavy rainfall and salt-laden sea air.
ACN has stepped in to end the nightmare with the promise of $49,500, so that they can build a new parish house.
Will you help fund the construction of a new parish house for this poor parish in Sierra Leone?
We are sure Father Allie will remember you in his grateful prayers.
Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church we serve. Funds donated to Aid to the Church in Need’s projects will be used towards the greatest need in our programs to help keep the Faith alive.
Code: 147-01-19