SW News: Pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has provided financial aid of more than 9.5 million euros to the suffering people in war-torn Ukraine ever since the hostilities began a year ago.

ACN has donated as many as 205 generators and 78 heating systems to religious communities in the context of Russian shelling and rocket attacks knocking out power stations in the eastern European country. It is also financing 31 construction as well as renovation projects in Ukraine. Several Ukrainian parishes, convents, seminaries and dioceses received 80 vehicles, including cars, to facilitate pastoral care for the displaced people and for rushing humanitarian aid. So far, it has donated direct aid to 15,000 people by way of 292 projects.

The pontifical charity is also contributing to the upkeep of the clergy and religious communities so that pastoral work does not suffer amid the conflict. Through ACN, some 7,500 priests, religious and lay persons spanning different dioceses in the country have received assistance in order to reach out to the displaced people and provide food and shelter. The charity is also providing additional aid to meet the expenses of food, healthcare and power for Church institutions such as monasteries, convents and seminaries apart from parish churches.

As parishes and seminaries are housing displaced families, the charity is also financing 231 projects to modify kitchens and supply portable ovens and other home appliances. It is also helping 738 young men studying for the priesthood.
Young Ukrainians are a key beneficiary group receiving assistance from ACN. So far, 1,712 young believers have benefited from summer camps and pastoral activities sponsored by the pontifical charity. It has also financed 16 training projects and retreats for 3,280 people apart from supporting thousands of religious, priests and lay volunteers who are assisting the afflicted masses.

So far, 6,549 priests have received Mass stipends from ACN supporting them in their ministry and 130 liturgical kits have also been given to priests who are ministering to people in conflict zones.