International
On the Spot: Newsletter from the Americas – April 2021
Our bi-monthly e-newsletter On the Spot highlights some important updates from our programs and from our organizational network. If you’re already signed up, it’ll be in your inbox, if not, you can sign up here! Thanks for reading.
Make Lent Count – Lent 2021: Serving “the least of these”
During the Lenten season, we are encouraged to put ourselves and our needs to one side so that we can come closer to God and our fellow human beings. As the world continues to battle with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cordially invite you to enrich your preparation for Easter by bringing the warmth of solidarity and charity to the life of people in need around the world.
For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you came to visit me.
[…] whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
— Matthew 25:35-36, 40
This verse has been the inspiration for the work of the Order of Malta since the early 12th century when a group of monks founded a hospice in Jerusalem to care for the sick and poor. Following the motto “tuitio fidei et obseqium pauperum”, the Order of Malta remains true to its Christian principles through its mission to help people in need around the world.
For Malteser International Americas, Matthew 25 is as revelatory today as it was in Bible times. Our work to bring help to the most vulnerable is driven by the conviction of their inherent dignity; in each person we recognize the presence of God, regardless of their religion, background, or political convictions.
Please join us this Lent in standing in serving our brothers and sisters in need.
Indigenous Communities Struggle to Survive Amid the Pandemic
Nearly a year into the pandemic, the situations of the most vulnerable has become increasingly more precarious. While many around the globe have settled into a “new normal” during COVID-19, small villages in northern Colombia are literally fighting for survival.
Decades of complex internal struggles in Colombia have been compounded by the near-total collapse of neighboring Venezuela in recent years, resulting in multiple displacements for millions.
But despite the added chaos of the pandemic, residents like Celina – a Colombian-born doctor who was forced to flee Venezuela after calling it home for decades – and Keila – a disabled informal worker carrying on traditional Wayuu crafts – have carried on.
“What’s happening in Venezuela is a grievous crime against humanity,” according to Thomas Wessels, president of MI Americas. “To make matters worse, it is one of the world’s most under-funded crises. The international community has spent only $580m in response to the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis, compared to $7.8bn in Syria.”
Reflections on Insecurity and Violence in Haiti – What to do?
Newly appointed MI Americas Haiti Country Coordinator Yolette Etienne, writes about the ongoing, and increasingly violent, security challenges in Haiti, and what an effective NGO response might look like.
“Regular assassinations, repeated kidnappings and armed robberies – a good part of the year 2020 has been terrifying for Haiti in terms of crime and safety. Despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, armed groups have brought the citizenry to its knees. Infants, children, young people and adults, none of these groups have been spared the assaults of armed bandits who have fragmented the territory.” It should be noted that the situation in January of 2021 confirmed the power of the federation called G9 gangs to exert control on the streets without concern, and in some instances, with the protection of the police.
Can we urgently, without delay, use our rich ancestral knowledge and culture to overcome the “gangsterization” of the Haitian political system which threatens our security and our common future? There can be no effective solutions to this problem without citizen mobilization and changes in the balance of power in the state apparatus and in society.
Awaiting Pope Francis in Iraq, Grand Chancellor Boeselager Recommits to an Equitable COVID-19 Global Vaccination Effort
In an interview with Vatican Radio, the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta talks about the priorities of the institution’s worldwide action in the wake of the Covid pandemic and of the many ongoing humanitarian crises.
On the eve of the apostolic visit of Pope Francis to Iraq, Albrecht Boeselager explains that the Order of Malta’s worldwide humanitarian agency Malteser International is present in Northern Iraq and in the Nineveh Plains, where it runs projects for the protection of minorities and the reintegration of communities displaced during the war. “It is my hope that the Holy Father’s visit will give encouragement and hope to the people who are still threatened by fear and uncertainty regarding their future”.
Boeselager calls for a fair and equitable distribution of the anti-Covid vaccines, noting that until these reach every corner of the world the virus will not be under control. “The pandemic will not be fought successfully if vaccines are not available everywhere: as long as there are remaining hot spots we will see mutations of the virus and the danger will not be under control. The other aspect – Boeselager then explains – is the equally important ethical aspect that rejects the possibility that one part of the world has access to vaccines and the other not.”
MI Americas Statement on Equitable Vaccination in Colombia Catches Media Attention
In response to Colombia’s earlier announcement to exclude irregular Venezuelan migrants from their COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, MI Americas joined Medical Teams International in releasing a statement arguing against this kind of “vaccine nationalism”.
In a follow-up article by Catholic News Service, Executive Director Ravi Tripptrap discusses the critical role faith-based organizations have in aiding with vaccine rollouts, particularly in vulnerable populations.
In a landmark decision, the Colombian government has since reversed its position, promising to grant up 1.7 million Venezuelan migrants temporary status for up to 10 years.
Supporter Spotlight: Rick Jones, KM & Patty Jones
Every so often we check in with a few of our loyal supporters. Most recently, MI Americas Development Manager Ellen Powers sat down with Rick and Patty Jones to discuss their commitment to the organization.
“We were excited to discover that they focus on the most vulnerable and underserved in the world and are the voice for the voiceless,” says Rick Jones, KM. “This is what attracted us to the organization and why we support Malteser International every year.”
Jones goes on to say that “Knowing that there are experienced individuals at Malteser International who devote their lives to serving the sick and the poor fills me with great pride. I am proud to be part of such a committed and serving organization. I have deep trust that Malteser International shares the same charism and motivation that led us to join the Order.”
Two New Members Join MI Americas Board
Malteser International Americas is thrilled to announce two valuable additions to our Board of Directors: Camille M. Kelleher, DMOb & Clemens Graf von Mirbach-Harff, KM.
