Breaking, every day, the pages of the calendar, we realize that time passes, irreparable, as the Latins said. It is a sad finding for some, provocative for others, because it intrigues us to ask ourselves what we have left in the past years and what we could do for the years that God has ordained for us here on earth. And here I always remember the parable of the gospel talents, by which Jesus challenges us to use our abilities to the fullest so that, at the right time, when we open our hands before the Great Judge, they are not empty.
How soon will we celebrate the great Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, in which we will hear the apostles ask the Master, "Lord, in this time will you restore the kingdom of Israel?" (Acts 1,6) Today, at the 26th anniversary of the "Caritas Moldova" Charitable Foundation, this question is addressed to each of us, those who form the great "Caritas Moldova" family. Yes, we are asked in this way, because through our work we are the ones who continue, in favor of the youngest brothers of Jesus, the work of the Savior's charity, which, as St. Peter tells us, "passed on doing good" ( Acts 10:38), the edifying work of the kingdom of God, those who must make charity shine more and more in the world in which we live. Every gesture of love, no matter how small, has its role as a brick in building this kingdom, even if some might say that such a gesture is just a drop in the ocean. But let's not forget that the sea is made of countless drops.
Therefore, the urge I address to the whole team is to multiply these gestures of love, even if they are not always appreciated. Here I remember the words of Mother Teresa, who said: “The good that people do today will be forgotten anyway. Always do well! ” or: “If you are good, people can accuse you of hidden interests and intentions. Be good anyway! ” In fact, when we do good, we must have one intention, the one that Jesus tells us: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father. the one from heaven! ” (Mt 5:16). And our light is nothing but good deeds, made of a heart full of charity.
The work of building the kingdom of God would be impossible to accomplish without the beneficiaries of "Caritas Moldova", the poor we will always have with us (cf. Mt 26:11). Someone once told me that they would be the ones to open the gates of the heavenly kingdom to us. Therefore, let us never look back from them and never close our hand in front of those who knock on the foundation gate, begging for a piece of bread, a glass of water or a coat to cover, seeing in each among them the suffering face of Christ. And, besides, let us be grateful to God for sending these younger brothers to us, because he wants them to be our younger brothers as well.
In a special word of thanks, I address to His Holiness Anton Coșa, whom I allow myself to call not the founder, but the father and friend of the “Caritas Moldova” Charitable Foundation. Father not only because he laid the beginnings of this "daughter" of his, but also because he always overwhelmed her with the gift of his love as a father and pastor. Friend, because he was always with her, contributing a lot to the prosperity of the foundation, with his advice and encouragement.
Finally, another reason for gratitude to God, which is caritas (cf. 1 Cor 4: 8), are the benefactors who, inflamed by the same charity, have done, are doing and I am convinced that they will make it possible to continue fulfilling the mission. our foundation. And since to thank means to ask again, let us pray our voices to the Trinity of a being to awaken in the hearts of as many people as possible the love that will make them sympathetic to so many painful situations that darken the face of the Earth. And obviously, a big thank you to the benefactors themselves.
26 is an age of youth. That is why I want you all to be always young in soul, full of power to carry on - in time and space - the love of Christ! Happy birthday, "Caritas Moldova"!
With closeness and love for the bishop, beneficiaries, team and benefactors, with a soul full of gratitude to God and his most holy Mother, the Virgin Mary,

Petru Ciobanu
President of Caritas Moldova