The work of Catholic aid organizations remains vital in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
These Catholic organizations were at the ready to step in with humanitarian relief when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The invasion caused the largest movement of peoples in Europe since World War II.
Tamas Olah of Caritas Nyiregyhaza, the regional office of Caritas Hungary closest to the Ukraine border, and his team responded to the urgent needs within less than 24 hours of the invasion, sending aid to the border, as well as to parishes on the Ukrainian side assisting those waiting to flee. Within days, he and his team were operating a refugee welcome center in Barabas, Hungary, one mile from the border.
Almost one year into the war, Mr. Olah and his team continue to provide help to these vulnerable groups. Despite attempts on the part of some refugees and internally displaced persons to find work and stable housing, the needs are still great.
The challenge, said Mr. Olah, is not knowing when the war will end.
Read more about how ordinary people helped ease the suffering of Ukrainian refugees in “When Duty Turns to Grace” in the December 2022 issue of ONE.
Hear more from Mr. Olah about his team’s work with refugees in this video.