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DIASPORA COMMISSION OF THE GERMAN BISHOPS EXISTS FOR 100 YEARS

Catholic priests from Germany donate 4.37 million euros

The members of the committee: From left, Monsignore Georg Austen (Managing Director of the Diaspora Commission and Secretary-General of the Bonifatiuswerk), Domdeacon Alfons Hardt (Chairman of the Diaspora Commission), Vicar General Ulrich Beckwermert, and Pastor Ludger Hojenski. Also, from left at the bottom, Pastor Dr. Michael Müller, Cathedral Chapter Thomas Renze, and Dean Carsten Menges. In the photo, Spiritual Councilor Prof. Dr. Thomas Schwartz is missing. (Photo: Simon Helmers)
The members of the committee: From left, Monsignore Georg Austen (Managing Director of the Diaspora Commission and Secretary-General of the Bonifatiuswerk), Domdeacon Alfons Hardt (Chairman of the Diaspora Commission), Vicar General Ulrich Beckwermert, and Pastor Ludger Hojenski. Also, from left at the bottom, Pastor Dr. Michael Müller, Cathedral Chapter Thomas Renze, and Dean Carsten Menges. In the photo, Spiritual Councilor Prof. Dr. Thomas Schwartz is missing. (Photo: Simon Helmers)

07.12.2023

For 100 years, the Diaspora Commission of the German Bishops has been financially supporting economically disadvantaged diaspora dioceses – with 4.37 million euros in the coming year. Catholic priests in Germany donate one percent of their salary monthly for this assistance. The Priest's Aid was founded at the 24th General Assembly of the Bonifatius Association, today's Bonifatiuswerk, in 1923. The support benefits priests and deacons involved in pastoral work in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe.

A clear statement of solidarity

"The priests in Germany, with their support, are sending a powerful signal of solidarity. In most countries of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, Catholics are a numerical minority, and pastoral care is hindered by extensive distances. The German priests demonstrate with their assistance: You are not alone, you can count on us, and we are connected beyond shared prayer," says Monsignor Georg Austen, Managing Director of the Diaspora Commission.

The Diaspora Commission supports the dioceses in Northern Europe (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) with approximately 3.8 million euros: 2.45 million euros are allocated for the salaries of priests. One million euros support the construction and maintenance of priest residences. 350,000 euros are earmarked for the acquisition of vehicles that priests urgently need in their extensive parishes. In Central and Eastern Europe, the Diaspora Commission provides salary support for priests and deacons amounting to 570,000 euros.

(hes)