CCEE 2023

August 3, 2023

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Although Soviet communism ended in the early 1990s, its destructive effects linger in the societies where it once ruled. Under the communist system, cultural values of charity and volunteerism disappeared. Rapid, sometimes harsh transitions to market economies led to ongoing attitudes of materialism that have left poor and dependent people—such as children, seniors, and people with disabilities—particularly vulnerable. This is especially true in the former Soviet republic of Moldova, which, despite its political independence, is one of the poorest countries in Europe.

The Diocese of Chişinău, founded in 2000, covers all of Moldova and the unrecognized breakaway state of “Transnistria,” currently occupied by Russian forces. Today the diocese contains 20 parishes and seven charity foundations that work to meet the spiritual and material needs of the people. This spirit of love for the most poor and needy is evident in Moldova’s generous response not only to the needs of its own people but also to refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Working in cooperation with Caritas Moldova, the diocese has expanded its outreach and ability to reveal Christ’s mercy to Moldova’s vulnerable children and youth by establishing a network of care and support centers, where children and youth benefit from informal education programs in a safe, caring environment. The centers also help strengthen the parenting skills of mothers and fathers. With funding from the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, the diocese and its local partners have established the centers according to standards for quality and child protection to make them safe and caring environments.

Your support of the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe on the weekend of August 13 is crucial to the success of ministries that affirm the dignity of children, youth, and other vulnerable people and show them the love and mercy of Jesus. Please be generous to the collection. For more information about the collection and whom it supports, visit www.usccb.org/ccee. Thank you for your help to restore the Church and build the future in Central and Eastern Europe.

With every prayerful best wish, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Bishop of Worcester