Support for 21 Sisters and One Brother in Moldova 

The Republic of Moldova became independent in 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is bordered by Romania on the west and Ukraine to the east, north, and south, and is among the poorest countries in Europe. Different sources put the population at anywhere between 2.5 and four million people. One reason for this discrepancy is that a significant portion of the adult population no longer live permanently in the country, and instead travel abroad to earn a living. Only the children and the elderly are left at home. In fact, there are estimated to be over 100,000 of these “Euro-orphans” – children whose parents are alive, but living abroad as migrant workers in other European countries. These children are either left to their own devices or cared for by grandparents, who themselves are often in need of care. Especially tragic are the cases where the mothers either never return or only do so after many years, after falling into the hands of human traffickers and being forced into prostitution. 

The war in Ukraine has caused the economy of the country to deteriorate further, with a sharp rise in prices. Additionally, the country has taken in over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees.

Inevitably, in such a situation, the Catholic Church herself is very dependent on outside support. Catholics are only a small minority in the Republic of Moldova, with around 20,000 belonging to the Diocese of Chişinău, the capital city and the only Catholic diocese in the country. Today, it has 20 Catholic parishes and 27 priests, plus 21 religious sisters and one brother, belonging between them to eight different congregations. Together, they minister to the needs of the poor and abandoned, the sick, the elderly, and children. These religious offer a precious service of loving charity in the parishes and are involved in catechesis and preparation for the sacraments, as sacristans and parish assistants, keeping the churches clean and fittingly decorated, and thus ensuring the dignified celebration of Holy Mass. They also support and comfort those in need, and help with the upbringing of children who have been abandoned without proper care.  

Bishop Anton Coşa is grateful for the apostolate and has asked that we help them. He writes, “They are bringing the healing word of the Lord to all those searching for God and to every house and home. They are the glowing hearts within our parishes.”

We are offering $23,000 for the support of the 21 religious sisters and one religious brother working for the Church. For them, too, the cost of living has rapidly increased, and they offer their services freely. Will you join us in helping them?

440-05-39