Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “Aware of the gravity and magnitude of the financial and economic crisis taking place, the members of the Permanent Committee have officially opened a fund to guarantee aid for large families or those with sick or handicapped members who are now without an income. The proclamation of the Gospel demands, in fact, constant attention to the practical needs of others, because ecclesial communion takes on material form in effective charity.” This is what was written in a statement from the Permanent Bishops' Committee, which met March 23-26, 2009, at the CEI (Italian Bishops' Conference) Headquarters in Rome.
The statement says that the fund is aimed at allowing families with at least three children or families with situations of serious illness or handicap, who have lost or will lose all source of income, to receive a monthly loan for 12 or 24 months, which they can later pay back once they have found employment. In this manner, they will be able to continue paying on the house and paying for basic necessities. It is meant to be a sign of hope, to help at least a certain amount of families. This initiative will be linked to the charitable services being carried out in diocesan Caritas offices and Catholic and social volunteer organizations and will not be meant as a substitute for those actions that correspond to the State and public entities.
The fund will be financed by a nationwide collection which will take place in all Italian parishes on May 31, Solemnity of Pentecost.
The statement comments: “The traditional collection in the Church reminds us of the most vulnerable members, especially in moments of greatest difficulty and it does so in every way possible, knowing that it is precisely in the weakest members that Christ Himself is present and they are identified with Him. It is an act that educates people in solidarity and sharing, openness of heart and generosity, to not live for themselves, enclosed in their own problems and interests, but to have a fraternal and compassionate heart.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 1/4/2009)
