To see a collaborative and selfless response to the cry of the poor in action, one need look no further than the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, situated in the southeast of the Netherlands.
In February 2022, as news of the escalation of the war in Ukraine reached their Motherhouse, the Missionary Sisters started to pray. And, with the help of neighbors and the municipality, they began to prepare for the refugees’ arrival.
The Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood host Ukrainian refugees in their Motherhouse in the Netherlands.
On the 14th of March, the first four refugees arrived at the convent. On the 15th, there were nine. By the end of March, 28 women, men, and children had fled from their home country with only what they could carry, crossed the border into the Netherlands, and found their way to the Motherhouse. By October 1st, 40 Ukrainian refugees were safe and cared for in a sanctuary provided by the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood.
The refugees started a beautiful vegetable garden and proudly presented their harvests.
Through the overflowing kindness of people from the surrounding villages, the convent cellar was turned into a clothing shop for the refugees who were told to, “Come without pay.” Washing machines and dryers were donated, and the municipality helped with the installation.
This united response to the cry of the poor and displaced is a stark reminder that “war always does grave harm to the environment and to the cultural riches of peoples.” It is also a call to action to “all people of good will.” We too are called to respond to the needs of the poor among us – in our neighborhoods, on our streets, and throughout our communities. (LS 57, 62)
Our Response to the Cry of the Poor, one of the seven Laudato Si’ Goals, can take a personal approach through concrete actions like volunteer work and donations to local food banks and refugee shelters. And it can encompass action from city or district officials. Or both, as it did at the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood’s Motherhouse in the southeast of the Netherlands.
The municipality provided a play area and villagers donated bicycles.
In the former novitiate wing, mothers with children find a safe place to run and play.
In addition to their assistance with appliance installation, the municipality also donated Covid-19 test kits, masks, and disinfectant, while various organizations and thoughtful individuals provided laptops, printers, and paper for the school children.
As it has since it was built in 1903, the convent situated in the southeast of the Netherlands and tended to by the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood continues to be a place of refuge for people in need.
A painting by one of the talented Ukrainian children presently living in the convent.