US government grants nearly $ 1 million to Catholic groups in Rome

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USAID is supporting the pandemic-related collaboration between Sant’Egidio and his sisters to help the poor.

The United States Agency for International Development has awarded a grant of $ 900,000 to two Catholic organizations in Italy to provide humanitarian assistance to those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Callista Gingrich, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, announced the grant Thursday at a virtual press conference. Gingrich said the funds will go to the Community of Sant’Egidio and the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) and support a project they started collaborating on in July.

“Sant’Egidio and the UISG have provided essential items such as food, clothing and personal protective equipment to the homeless, the elderly and other people at risk. “ said Gingrich. “They also provided counseling services and virtual medical assessments. “

In April, USAID announced that it would support, complement, and expand the work of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and faith groups that are directly responding to the pandemic in Italy and mitigating its social and community impact.

Gingrich this week called Sant’Egidio and the UISG “two of the best examples of faith-based organizations serving some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.” Faith-based organizations, she continued, “serve as lifelines for communities facing unprecedented hardship and advocates for the oppressed.”

The Ambassador said that the United States Embassy to the Holy See and the community of Sant’Egidio have enjoyed a long and productive relationship. “Together, we have negotiated conflicts, advanced interfaith dialogue and provided humanitarian assistance to those who need it most,” she said. “Sant’Egidio is recognized around the world for its efforts to resolve conflicts, promote peace and reduce poverty through its extensive international network. “

The UISG is also a “cherished partner of the United States Embassy to the Holy See,” Gingrich continued, saying that over the years the mission has worked with Loretto Sr. Patricia Murray, executive secretary of the union of superiors general of women’s orders, and its staff at combat trafficking in human beings, promote interreligious dialogue and “advance the courageous work of religious women”.

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 ”, according to Catholic Information Service.

“COVID-19 has highlighted the centrality of networks of proximity and solidarity, which are even more essential today to combat the loneliness and isolation of so many people,” Garofalo said.

Sr. Patricia Murray pointed out that while many nuns have helped distribute food and supplies, as well as help hospitals during the pandemic, many sisters are “among the most vulnerable because of their age and health. brittle “.

“They are relying on their faith in Christ and they are also relying on the kindness of others to help them during this difficult time,” she said, according to the CNS report. “They don’t live in a protected situation. They fully live this current reality. Many older sisters have lived in isolation during this period, 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 ”, a she declared.

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