Evangelisation in Latvia

Two missionaries working in Latvia, Rita Refalo of Xaghra and Liliane Bertrand, are visiting Gozo to share their experiences, and have called on Bishop Nikol Cauchi at the Curia in Victoria. They were joined by another missionary of the Pro Sanctitate Movement, Rose Galea from Fontana, who is currently working in Rome, and who has been a member of Pro Sanctitate for 26 years.

As missionaries of Pro Sanctitate (recognised as an association of lay people by the Catholic Church), Rita and Liliane went to Latvia for the first time in 1996, having been invited by priests they had met in Belgium and Italy.

They have been living in Latvia for four years and have grown to appreciate this marvellous country, which has quickly emerged - as have many others - from 50 years of Soviet communist domination.

Rita and Liliane have contributed to Latvian society and their Church by helping youths and families build their lives on solid values. Many Latvian youths are passive, distrustful and unable to take the initiative to develop projects for the future.

Eighty per cent of the cases they deal with, such as alcoholism, cause family break-ups. Many children have been victims of different types of violence - often within the family unit.

Some Latvian families still live with minimum social benefits, have no potable water or electricity, and poor sanitary conditions at home. Many families live in two-roomed apartments, where parents and children sleep together. In fact, a European emissary noted in his report that "Latgale (situated in the east of the country), is the poorest part of Europe!"

As soon as Rita and Liliane arrived in Latvia, they began working on humanitarian needs, recognising the relationship between the social and the humanitarian conditions. They offered social and spiritual companionship to young people and families.

Their work is being appreciated and is reaching more people. So they felt the need to provide a centre to help people begin a new life. They have now set up a centre in Republic Place, in Riga, the Latvian capital. The project is estimated to cost around €400,000.

The premises will be able to offer hospitality and staff will follow the needs of individuals and groups in their formation. The centre will also permanently accommodate three or four missionaries (known as Apostolic Oblates, members of the Pro Sanctitate Movement). This new project is creating great enthusiasm among young Latvians. Rita and Liliane will continue to receive help to keep this project going.

Any donations should be sent to Joseph Refalo, 83 Church Street, Xaghra; tel: 2155-6849; the Secular Institute of Apostolic Oblates, Pro Sanctitate Movement, Klostera iela 4, Riga, LV - 1050, e-mail: liliane123@hotmail.com; Hansabank, Kalku iela, 26, LV-1050, Riga, SWIFT code: HABA LV 22, Account no. LV - 13 HABA 0551002488124, Titulary: Liliane Bertrand, Klostera iela, 4 Riga LV-1050.