In the Marist province of West Central Europe, more specifically in the region of Wallonia (Belgium), the commune of Habay has been involved in the reception of Ukrainian refugees, solidarity and brotherhood. For a couple of months now, thanks to the local people, actions of help and welcome have been initiated, sending an urgent message to the whole community in general and to the families in particular.
The Marist community of Habay asked for the collaboration of all those who could help in receiving refugees fleeing from the war in Ukraine. After various negotiations on the part of the Marist community, an agreement was reached to make the small location of Maisonnette available for such a situation, so as to be able to attend to and welcome all the refugees arriving in the province of West Central Europe.
Since the end of March, Habay has been hosting nine refugees, including three young mothers who have arrived with their four children, accompanied by two older women, grandmothers of the children.
In these and other situations, thanks to the social networks, solidarity has multiplied and has grown rapidly among people related to the Marist community. So much so, that in a matter of hours people who were able to donate cribs, baby strollers, clothes, personal hygiene items, toys and food among other things.
The outreach was so positive that donations were even received, which because of their importance and volume were also given to the Red Cross so that they could also help other families in need.
In addition, in cooperation with the local authorities and the many lay Marist volunteers, the daily life of this new large family is also being organized. With everyone’s help, the necessary translations are being arranged for all the day-to-day formalities, the first administrative and medical formalities are being taken care of, and the children are being sent to school in the city.
A situation which shows how important it is to work together for peace and which, undoubtedly, requires presence, energy and care on the part of the whole Marist community, which projects its great human richness in such situations.
H. Albert André