Monday and Tuesday we paid a visit to the Republic of Moldova invited by Don Cesare Lodeserto, the Vicar General of the Diocesis and coordinator, on behalf of His Excellency the Bishop of Moldova Anton Cosa, of several institutions that since years support the poor, the sick, those exposed to human trafficking and, in these days, refugees entering Moldavia from Ukraine. Apart from Regina Pacis and other Institutions we also visited the border with Ukraine in Palanca, about 50 Km from Odessa.
The group was also formed by Ferenc Tischler, Mihaly Denes and Anca Simu from our Romanian SAMR and Teresa von Boeselager from Malteser International.
It was a very interesting visit with many learning points both on the situation at the border and the possible challenges, should the war escalate, on the regular activities performed by the Diocesis via Caritas and a few connected Institution as well as Regina Pacis and the facilities coordinated by Father Cesare Lodeserto.
Whilst it is clear that many NGO’s and other government first responders organizations are present at the border, there is ample space to support our operations for the wider community of poor in Chisinau and Moldova. Of course under the guidance and leadership of HE Bishop Cosa and HE Peter Canissius von Canissius, our Ambassador in the Republic who greatly helped our efforts.
On the occasion of the visit, Malteser International, with the help of SAMR delivered a truck of food, hygiene material and equipment required by Regina Pacis. This was the result of joint effort of our Order in Moldova, Germany and Romania. A great result that only a genuine teamwork can deliver.
And of course one last pleasant surprise. Johanniter from Germany and the Baily Luxembourg have been transporting several refugees from South Moldova to Germany. The Foundation Don Bosco thanks to Don Cesare was able to accommodate all the refugees and our team in their facilities.
We would like to thank HE Bishop Anton Cosa, HE Ambassador von Canissius and his lovely wife Birgit, Teresa von Boeselager from Malteser International, the team from SAMR from Romania, Caritas and last but not least Don Cesare Lodeserto who has been the engine of this great visit.