Vienna: The work of the Redemptorists in the assisting the refugees

Since August 1st the Redemptorist parish of St Mary (MPH) in Hernals/Vienna has put emergency quarters at the disposal of refugees of the wars from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
During these four months (approximately) more than 12,000 needy people have had shelter here, catering, medical service and also a warm reception.
During this period, altogether 200 volunteers were active. “This is great evidence of solidarity and charity”, says Father Lorenz Voith, who is rector and pastor of the community in Hernals. “Many of the helpers have few or no relations with the Church and the parish, but have nevertheless offered their help and have thus managed to create an incredible network of humanity”.
During a festive service and a big celebration held in the St. Clement Hofbauer hall, we gave thanks officially to these helpers as so many of them had accepted our invitation.
During the service, a Moslem refugee from Syria, who had for many weeks actively assisted as an interpreter, spoke about his journey to Vienna, his scattered family, his flight from the war and his life … Afterwards a group of refugees was also invited to a dinner.

The Medal of Honour of the Redemptorists of the Province Vienna-Munich was presented to seven so-called “Coordinators”, who from the beginning had assumed responsibility for the management of various sections.

The help to the refugees is prolonged. The Parish and the Redemptorist Community arrange for accommodation and put this at the disposal of asylum seekers in Austria. These families are going to be associated with so-called “godparents”, who will accompany them. Furthermore they are offered the possibility of attending German language courses. More accommodation, for the families who have a right of asylum and who are going to stay in Austria, will be leased and then sublet to them.

For two weeks now the emergency quarters (including the heated day room) have been moved to two smaller rooms in a house on Clemens Hofbauer Square.

Fr. Lorenz Voith