The Bonifatiuswerk, a Catholic aid organization, marked the 50th anniversary of its Northern Europe Aid with a special Holy Mass on September 25th at the parish church of St. Stephanus and Vitus in Corvey, Germany. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Czeslaw Kozon of Copenhagen, highlighting the organization’s enduring support for Catholics in minority situations across Northern Europe.

175 Years of Supporting Catholic Communities

Msgr. Georg Austen, Secretary General of the Bonifatiuswerk, provided insights into the organization’s rich history. “The Bonifatiuswerk is 175 years old and was founded in Regensburg, Germany. It wanted to help Catholics who live in minority situations in Germany. Then, in 1974, we had the opportunity to extend support to Northern Europe, from Denmark up to Greenland, Iceland, and Finland. In 1995, the Baltic states of Estonia and Latvia were also added. Fifty years ago, the Bonifatiuswerk became international.”

This expansion allowed the Bonifatiuswerk to provide essential aid to countries where Catholics are a small minority. Bishop Kozon emphasized the importance of this support: “The Catholics in the Nordic countries are a minority, so they need help from outside: material help in the form of aid from the Bonifatiuswerk, but also from priests and religious sisters from other countries.”

A Network of Solidarity Among Priests

An important element of the Bonifatiuswerk’s mission is the “help of the Diaspora Commissariat,” as Msgr. Austen explained. “This is help from priests for priests. In many areas in Northern Europe, there is no possibility of state or church support, such as church taxes. Every priest in Germany gives one percent of his salary to support pastors in Northern Europe and the Baltic states, helping to pay for their salaries, vehicles, or apartments.” This system underscores the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance that characterizes the Church’s mission in these regions.

Commemorating with a Historic Unveiling

In addition to the Holy Mass, the celebration included the unveiling of a new altarpiece in the historic baroque church, whose West work has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the ambassadors of Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, underscoring the international significance of the Bonifatiuswerk’s work.

As the Bonifatiuswerk continues its mission, Msgr. Austen reflected on the organization’s ongoing commitment: “Our aid is not a one-way street. We are building a network of faith and support, ensuring that the Catholic Church remains strong, even in areas where it is in the minority.”

Adapted by Jacob Stein