14 Million Euros for Catholics in the Diaspora

29.05.2020

In the 2019 financial year, the Bonifatiuswerk supported projects in the German, Northern European and Baltic diaspora with 14 million euros. The charity, which was established in 1849, sponsored 1203 projects in its 170th year of existence. Donations and collections have fortunately remained stable, but due to the coronavirus pandemic the first decreases in income are already apparent this year. In the future, we must expect a considerable decline. The central mission of the “aid organisation for the faith” is the solidarity with the sisters and brothers in faith in the diaspora, and the sharing of faith in an increasingly secular and pluralistic society.

“We are grateful for a good 2019 business year. Therefore, we can continue to help and reliably support our project partners in this stressful time. Like all areas of society and church, the Bonifatiuswerk is also affected by the coronavirus crisis. But above all we want to see the people with their worries, hopes and existential fears. Our solidarity is called for and needed, particularly now,” said Secretary General Monsignore Georg Austen.
 

Support from the Bonifatiuswerk

In the diaspora regions of Germany, Northern Europe and in the Baltic States of Estonia and Latvia, 72 building projects were sponsored with 2.9 million euros, 1017 projects of the aid for children and youths with 1.8 million euros and 74 projects of the faith aid with 569,000 euros. The transport aid sponsored 40 BONI buses for community work to the amount of 745,000 euros. Missionary initiatives and religious education received grants amounting to 1.9 million euros, while project support was given 430,000 euros, support for pastoral care 150,000 euros and earmarked funds 1.1 million euros. From earmarked funds of the Diaspora Commission, 4.5 million euros were passed on to projects in Northern Europe.
 

Revenue of the Bonifatiuswerk

The Bonifatiuswerk funds the sponsorship of these projects with revenue from collections (4.9 million euros), donations/fees/bequests and endowments (5.8 million euros) and from funds of the Diaspora Commission. Compared to the previous year, the revenue from collections has increased by 63,680 euros (+1.3%). The Diaspora Sunday collection brought in 2.21 million euros. First communicants gave 1.86 million euros and confirmands gave 804,000 euros for projects of the aid for children and youths.
 

Thank You for the Solidarity of all Donors

“Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, we are naturally looking to the future with concern, but also with hope, as we are building on the solidarity of our donors. We can cushion negative fluctuations for a limited period of time thanks to a stable asset and liquidity situation. Therefore, it is currently necessary to keep the whole road in view and to drive responsibly with your eyes open. The possibility of funding valuable projects stands or falls with this,” said Executive Director Ingo Imenkämper.

(pk)