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Caring for Refugees as Neighbours
“…I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”Mt 25:35
The brutal wars in Ukraine and Syria have led to the largest movement of refugees to Europe since the Second World War. Scarred by war, perilous migration routes, and often hostile reception from governments and local residents, migrants arrive to Europe in need of shelter, counselling, and social assistance––but most of all, mercy and grace.
That’s why we’ve undertaken one of our most important missions: Housing and care of refugees in Northern Italy and Western Austria, in the cities of our founding and where many of our sisters live today.
Care of migrants truly takes a village. While we cooperate closely with local dioceses, governments, and social agencies, every donation––whether of money, time, or talent––makes a difference to migrant families.
If you are in a position to make a donation, we would be very grateful for your gift, and will put it to immediate good use.
- We house migrants (adults, children, and families) in our home region of Northern Italy and Austria, forming long-term personal relationships as they navigate dramatically new circumstances
At the end of a harrowing journey: Love
Europe is the destination for hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing violent conflicts, human rights abuses, extreme poverty, hunger, and the consequences of climate change––the poor and forgotten for whom Maria Hueber founded the Tertiary Sisters.
Throughout the region, we manage many apartments for the use of migrant families.
Once we’ve secured their housing, we form personal relationships with many families, welcoming them to our communities. All of our work is done in close collaboration with the Diocese of Bozen-Brixen, which offers migrants resources for integration, day-to-day living, and specialised counselling for trauma.
Coming together to house Ukrainians
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, it created a refugee crisis few foresaw. We immediately took action.
By April 2022, we secured housing for 16 Ukrainian refugees––men, women, parents, and children––in the Convent of St. Anna in Eppan, Italy.
Not long after, a group locals took it upon themselves to start the “Eppan Helps” campaign to welcome the newly arrived Ukrainians and to help them navigate life in a new part of the world.
One of the campaign’s first projects: Donating bookbags for children starting school shortly after arriving to Italy.
How you can help
Our mission to refugees in our home region is very meaningful to us.
While we cooperate with local dioceses and partner with public and private social service agencies (we don’t pretend to do this alone!), all of our efforts––housing, counselling, and spiritual guidance––are funded by donations.
If you are in a position to make a donation, we would be very grateful for your gift, and will put it to immediate good use.