2020-2021 Gratitude Report
The Fr. Richard D. Appicci, O.S.A.
Endowment for Augustinian Missions
Fr. Francis J. Horn, O.S.A.
Treasurer and Director of Augustinian Missions
Although the last year and a half have been challenging for many of us, Peru has been particularly devastated by the coronavirus. According to Johns Hopkins University data, Peru has ranked consistently as the country with the world’s highest death rate per capita due to COVID-19.
One of the reasons is the lack of oxygen in the hospitals. The Catholic Church has responded by installing oxygen plants in several places, and the Augustinians have collaborated in these efforts, especially in Chulucanas and Trujillo. This cooperation was a concrete sign of solidarity with the people in light of the inability of the government to respond to the crisis. The students at Malvern Prep conducted a special fund-raiser to assist in this special project.
In addition, the Augustinians opened soup kitchens in our parishes in Chulucanas, Morropon, and Pacaipampa to provide daily meals in response to the great increase in unemployment.
The Fr. Richard D. Appicci, O.S.A. Endowment for Augustinian Missions supports the friars in Peru and these vital programs for the people they serve.