Community Notes
LA SALLE FOR UKRAINIANS
Lasallians worldwide have been asked to consider supporting the special appeal “La Salle for Ukrainians” assisting Lasallian Brothers and lay partners in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania in welcoming and supporting some of the millions of refugees who are fleeing from Ukraine. Funds collected will directly support humanitarian actions by provisioning shelters, food, clothing, medical supplies, and other refugee needs.
Please see the message below from Brother Adrian Watson FSC of the Lasallian Foundation explaining this special appeal which ends at Easter and how to support. Please note that All Australian donations over $2 are tax deductible. Please select the Location: “Ukraine Special Appeal” when offering an online donation through the Lasallian Foundation website link below – then a Donation Receipt confirmation will be sent directly to you via email.
“Dear Lasallians,
The scenes of destruction and anguish in Ukraine are brought to us daily on television, newspapers and social media. It is difficult to remain unmoved by the plight of people forced to flee from their homes and country because of the Russian invasion. Brother Robert Schieler, Superior General of the De La Salle Brothers, has asked all Lasallians to consider donating to support Lasallian Brothers and lay partners in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania in welcoming and supporting some of the millions of refugees who are fleeing from Ukraine.
This special appeal will end at Easter when the funds donated will be forwarded to La Salle Solidarity International in Rome for disbursement to Lasallians in countries neighbouring Ukraine to assist them in their support for the refugees. Your support for this special appeal is greatly appreciated.”
Archbishop Patrick O’Regan and the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference are inviting people around Australia to join Pope Francis on Friday 25 March to find time to pray for peace in Ukraine.
‘Catholics around the world are being encouraged to join their prayers with those of Pope Francis on March 25 when he consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The act of consecration places the warring countries under the protection of Mary, the Mother of Christ, trusting in the power of her intercession. Such an act looks towards God, the source of all peace, and seeks God’s peace through Mary.’
If you would like to support the Ukrainian people financially, the International Lasallian Appeal is accessible here. For more information about the appeal, please click here.
We all pray and hope that peace will prevail in the Ukraine.
Mr Robert Dempsey, Director of Mission
FOURTH WEEK OF LENT
This week through Project Compassion we learn about Rosalie, who lives with her husband and seven children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forced to join the army when she was just 15-years-old, Rosalie experienced significant trauma and hardship during her years in the military. After she was demobilised from the army, Rosalie, like other ex-combatants, was left to fend for herself in the community.
With your generous support and through Caritas Australia’s partners, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Caritas Bukavu, Rosalie was able to connect with other members of her community and participate in business skills training to help her to reintegrate into society.
She joined a savings group which helped her with a loan to start her own small business selling second-hand shoes and natural remedies.
“I can eat, dress, maintain my health and help others. My children study and manage to eat twice a day. I have learnt to work hand-in-hand with other members of the community. Really, there is more joy in sharing with others.” – Rosalie
Watch a short film about Rosalie’s story here.
