The countries in Central and Eastern Europe have faced a century of hardship. They have been oppressed by radical communism, horrendous crimes against humanity, and revolutionary, civil, and world wars.
Under communism, religion and religious practices were openly persecuted, and atheism was actively propagated and enforced.
Control of every aspect of life was taken over by totalitarian governments and the communist party, and civil society and the economy were deconstructed.
Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991, Central and Eastern European countries have been working to rebuild their political structures, social welfare, economies, and their religious life.Rebuilding and restoring faith
The Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, part of the diocesan International Combined Collection, funds projects in 28 countries to build the pastoral capacity of the Church and to rebuild and restore the Faith in these countries.
The funds raised in the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe are used to support the renewal of vital aspects of the Church life: seminaries, youth ministry, social service programs, pastoral centers, church construction and renovation, and Catholic communications projects.
Years after the fall of communism, though some countries are now a part of the European Union and serve as examples of positive changes, a majority of the countries are lagging behind and still struggling to overcome the legacy and destruction left by the communist system.
Still in need of help
The Catholics of these regions continue to need our help.
As a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s, USCCB, subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, Bishop Donald Hying visited two of these countries, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, in 2019.
Bishop Hying said he made this visit “to be supportive of the Church and see what projects we could support.” The progress these countries are making, after the fall of communism over 25 years ago, is encouraging. Churches were confiscated or destroyed, yet their faith is strong as they rebuild.
“They are very strong in faith and dedicated to the Church and each other. For many years, they practiced their faith underground, living without priests and the sacraments,” Bishop Hying commented. He was inspired by their commitment to their faith, commenting “their faith is the essence of their lives.”
More information
The International Combined Collection is held every October in parishes across the Diocese of Madison.
Questions on the collection can be directed to the office of Stewardship and Development at the Diocese of Madison at stewardship@madisondiocese.org or 608-821-4577.
Jill McNally is the director of the Office of Stewardship and Development in the Diocese of Madison.