By Charles Igwe
The Pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has initiated two crucial projects to support underprivileged communities on Colombia’s Pacific coast.
The first initiative involves the construction of a church in Buenaventura, a port city. This endeavor aims to aid individuals facing economic hardship, violence, abandonment, and social conflicts. María Inés Espinosa Calle, the Executive Director of ACN in Colombia, emphasized the organization’s commitment to building a bridge of charity between those in need and those willing to help.
Father Lawrence Ssimbwa, a Consolata missionary from Uganda and the pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Buenaventura, envisions a new church for his community with ACN’s support. The area this parish serves comprises five neighborhoods and 12 basic Christian communities, accommodating around 30,000 Catholic faithful. ACN aims to raise 70,000 euros (approximately $74,000) to turn this dream into reality.
The second project involves providing solar panels for the Dominican sisters’ residence in Docordó, in the Chocó region. This initiative cost approximately 10,000 euros (around $10,600) and has brought continuous electricity to the sisters’ home. The Dominican sisters, Mercy Eneida Mendoza, Rubiela Ramírez Ramírez, and Consuelo Giraldo, can now offer support to their neighbors, who previously had limited access to electricity. This newfound energy supply enhances their ability to carry out pastoral tasks, including educational work for children and young people.
Both of these projects exemplify ACN’s dedication to alleviating suffering and improving the lives of those facing adversity in Colombia.
