MADRID, Spain, MARCH 14, 2002 (Zenit.org).- The Order of the Most Holy Trinity, founded in the 12th century to help deliver prisoners from slavery and captivity, is reaching out to Sudanese refugees in Cairo.
A month ago, three Trinitarians (Spanish Fathers Manuel Canovas and Antonio Aurelio Fernandez and Canadian Father Aldo Beraldi) settled in the Egyptian capital. They have already started aid projects for some 30,000 Sudanese refugees, who had fled from the Khartoum regime.
One project offers assistance in one of four ecclesial centers, in the new neighborhood of Kilo Arbaa wi nus on the outskirts of Cairo. It consists of a group of rented shacks, which have been turned into a school and catechetical center for adults and children.
A second project gives shelter to 20 Sudanese youths, former slaves or soldiers, who are under the protection of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.
The three priests have given these youths a home and will now enable them to attend courses for professional formation, offered by religious institutions in the area.
The Trinitarians have a third project under way, but have released no details. Archbishop Giuseppe Bausardo, Latin apostolic vicar of Egypt, supports all the Trinitarians´ activities in the area.
The Trinitarians, founded by Frenchman John of Matha in 1198, work in about 20 countries.