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Passionists launch foundation to support overseas projects

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A foundation supporting projects helping the poor and marginalised in developing countries has been launched by the Passionists Congregation in Adelaide. 

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Sydney-based Provincial Fr Tom McDonough CP attended the June 8 event at The Monastery and outlined the aims of the recently established A Passionist Heart Foundation.

Fr McDonough said since the Passionists arrived in Australia in 1887 and at Glen Osmond in 1896 they  had committed themselves to promoting the memory of Christ’s passion “through their words and deeds”, and the foundation would further assist their endeavours.

Passionist Provincial Fr Tom McDonough with Tanzanian-born Fr Patrice Ndemasi and Fr Denis Travers from the Glen Osmond-Parkside parish at the launch.

“With our volunteers and employed staff, our religious sisters, brothers and priests we work to bring educational and medical assistance, community building, family support, services to youth, advocacy, justice and the promotion of human rights,” he said.

“A Passionist Heart Foundation supports the mission of our congregation in all of these areas, here in the Asia Pacific region – especially in Papua New Guinea and Vietnam – as well as supporting vital Passionist projects in other developing countries.”

The foundation is currently seeking funds for two major projects.

The first involves the relocation and expansion of the Senta Bilong Helpim care centre in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea.

Established by the Passionists in 1994, the centre assists children with disabilities and their families. The Bishop of Vanimo has asked that the centre be relocated closer to diocesan headquarters in Vanimo which will make it more easily accessible to the children and families it serves. The Bishop has also requested that extra services be offered, including a workshop for young adults with disabilities and accommodation for families of children who are visiting from outlying areas.

The second project will see the construction of a women’s ward at a hospital in the village of Itololo, Tanzania.

Run by the Passionists for more than a decade, the hospital serves a very poor region of the East African country. Over the years medical staff have made substantial progress in addressing the high maternal and infant mortality rate that exists in the community and with the availability of a women’s ward they will be better able to treat ill women who seek assistance.

Donations to the foundation are tax deductible. For more information go to www.apassionistheartfoundation.com

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