The Catholic Church, on the invitation of Bishop Anton Coșa, has joined efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugees in Moldova by providing 390 beds, medical services and food with the help of charities, parishes and monastic communities.

The organizations involved in the effort include Caritas Moldova, Regina Pacis, the Fides Center, Casa Providenței, Optima Fide Foundation, Don Bosco Foundation, Reînnoirea în Duh, and the Neocatechumenal Way.

In addition, a community-based network has been created where individual families are welcoming refugees. Also, assistance is being offered to refugees upon arrival in Moldova and with migrating further to destinations of choice. Psychological and medical assistance is provided, and an information network has been set up as well to connect the refugees to relatives remaining in Ukraine or to relatives abroad.

“There is no clear knowledge of the time of reception or the duration of the conflict, but it is clear that the Catholic Church, through its organizations, will be present until the emergency reception of families seeking asylum is necessary, and even beyond this period. In addition to cooperating with the Moldovan government, the Catholic Church is in constant contact with numerous international organizations, NGOs, embassies and various institutions that form the network of international solidarity, which is especially useful to receive support in the reception activities”, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chisinau said in a statement.

“The Catholic Church in the Republic of Moldova – and one can assume that this is the case for all believers – expresses its hope that peace and a resolution of the conflict can be reached as soon as possible. Pope Francis has been requesting this lately, expressing his concern and grief, and Bishop Anton Coşa has repeatedly urged Moldovan Catholic communities to pray with the same intention”, the statement said.

The contacts for the Diocese of Chisinau are: Mons. Cesare Lodeserto - Vicar General (vicargeneralmd@gmail.com); Edward Lucaci - Director of the Charity "Caritas Moldova" (078683849) and Ilie Zabica - Director of the Foundation "Regina Pacis" (079470520).