US Gives Grant to Catholic Groups Helping Poor Cope with Pandemic

The US government’s foreign aid agency has awarded thousands of dollars in aid to two Rome-based Catholic organizations helping the poor amid Italy’s COVID-19 pandemic.

Callista Gingrich, United States Ambassador to the Holy See, said USAID will provide a grant of $ 900,000 to the Community of Sant’Egidio and the International Union of Superiors General, which “are two of the best examples of faith-based organizations serving some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. “

“Faith-based organizations are defined by constant purpose and are dedicated to helping those who need it most,” Gingrich said Dec. 3 in a virtual press conference. “They serve as lifelines for communities facing unprecedented hardship and advocates for the oppressed.”

The grant, she added, would allow the two organizations to continue providing “food, clothing and personal protective equipment to the homeless, the elderly and others at risk.”

As of December 3, more than 57,000 people in Italy had died from COVID-19 and more than 1.6 million people have been infected since the start of the pandemic, according to Worldometer, a statistical site monitoring the pandemic.

Mauro Garofalo, responsible for international relations for the Community of Sant’Egidio, said the USAID grant will allow the organization “to broaden our scope for the benefit of those who have suffered the most from the social consequences. and economic aspects of the pandemic “.

“COVID-19 has highlighted the centrality of networks of proximity and solidarity, which are even more essential today to fight against the loneliness and isolation of so many people,” he said. “The widespread presence of Sant’Egidio in different peripheral contexts has enabled us to respond quickly and effectively to increased needs and to intercept new requests.”

Loretto Sister Patricia Murray, Executive Secretary of the Union of Superiors General of Women’s Orders, thanked Gingrich for the Embassy’s support and collaboration in helping people suffering from the pandemic.

While countless nuns have helped distribute food and supplies, as well as help in hospitals, she said, “another reality is that many sisters today are among the most vulnerable. because of their age and fragile health “.

“They rely on their faith in Christ and they also rely on the kindness of others to help them during this difficult time. They don’t live in a protected situation. They fully live this current reality. Many older sisters have lived in isolation. meanwhile, even within their religious communities, often separated from those who exercise active ministry and work outside the community and must isolate themselves when they return home, ”said Sister Murray.

During the pandemic, the International Union has made efforts to help not only elderly religious women who are vulnerable, she said, but also “women who have been trafficked to Italy” as well as ” women who have come as migrants and refugees with their young children and who are looking for support and help to build a new life. “

“This collaborative initiative between Sant’Egidio and the International Union of Superiors General, supported by the American government, is a shining example of kindness that can build a common project that recognizes the dignity of each person,” she said. declared.