Caring For Orphans

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Prior to the war, the Diocese ran an orphanage under the care of the Sisters of St. Francis of Tshumbe. The orphanage was capable of housing and providing for the needs of 50 orphans.

Unfortunately, the war has seriously damaged the orphanage – half of the Sisters’ convent has been destroyed. Because of the fighting in the area during the war, both the sisters and the orphans had no choice but to leave Lubefu. The sisters have sought housing for themselves and the orphans in their religious communities throughout the Diocese.

COMMENTARY:

The warfare and violence have seen the number of children orphaned increase. All of the orphans have been placed under the care of the sisters, priests, and the Bishop of the Diocese. Due to the destruction of the orphanage, the children are still being housed in the religious communities and rectories in the Diocese.

An effort to alleviate this situation is being made, but it is a long road ahead. The Diocese is in need of financial aid to provide for the many needs of the children such as education, clothes, and food until the orphanage can be rebuilt.

STATUS:

In January of 2002 the parish in Lubefu was reopened. The priests and sisters have returned and the Diocese is committed to repairing the orphanage. Repair costs are estimated at $15,000 and the cost of re-equipping the orphanage is estimated at $5,000.

THE WORD OF THE LORD:

"WHOEVER WELCOMES ONE SUCH CHILD IN MY NAME WELCOMES ME."(Matthew 18:5)