The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) just presented its balance sheet to its thousands of benefactors.
THOMAS HEINE-GELDERN
Executive President, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)
“We have the privilege to very humbly report that 2020 was the best year ever regarding individual donations to the mission of ACN. We have received over 122 million ($144 million) and the majority were donations, direct donations.”
With the funds accrued throughout the year, ACN managed to finance nearly 5,000 projects for Christians in need.
For example, they put about $7.3 million toward aid related to the Covid pandemic, including helping priests and religious meet their financial needs, and providing medical equipment like face masks.
They also helped Christian minorities in places throughout Asia where public aid is unavailable.
PHILIPP OZORES
Secretary General, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)
“The number one country that we support is India, with more than five million ($6 million) in support last year, another, which maybe would be unexpected, is Ukraine, the number two, with almost 4.8 million euros ($5.7 million) last year. And Lebanon is exceptionally third, last year, with 3.9 million euros ($4.6 million).”
The global balance is very positive. This year saw the inauguration of the Maronite cathedral of Aleppo, in Syria, which was completely destroyed during the war.
A significant amount has gone toward providing priests and catechists with transportation to reach remote areas. ACN bought bicycles, cars and motorcycles, as well as 11 boats, two buses and a freight truck.
It's impossible to quantify the results of this aid. But it is clear that it's a long-term investment, because the foundation has helped one in nine priests and one in eight seminarians around the world.
JMB
TR: CT
ACN
