The “dying seed”

Moldova’s delicate political situation consists in the fact that the post of the President of the Republic has been vacant for over one year. Poverty and migration outflow, mostly women, along with the tragic situation of the children left alone in their homeland; the phenomenon of human trafficking and “sexual tourism”. Msgr. Anton Cosa, bishop of Chisinau addressed these themes in the interview with SIR Europe. We contacted him during the “ad limina apostolorum” visit to Rome, with 16 Romanian bishops of Roman and Greek Catholic rite, where they met with Pope Benedict XVI. On February 25-28 Chisinau will host the Meeting of the Presidents of the Bishops´ Conferences of South-East Europe titled: “The rights of Catholics in those areas where they are a minority. The contribution of Catholics to the accomplishment of the common good across society: difficulties and challenges”. How is the political situation in the Country after the tragic events linked to last year’s elections? “What happened in Moldova past April represented a moment of change in the country, confirmed by the outcome of the past elections, with the defeat of the Communist Party, whose positive turnout at the polls was beat by the opposing four-party coalition launched in the electoral campaign, now installed in the Government. Unfortunately stability is yet to be achieved, since the Parliament failed to elect the President of the Republic, whose post has been vacant for almost a year. New elections are due to be called after the summer. The Government in-office clearly voiced EU adhesion, thus seeking an ally in the European Union. However, the historical ties with Russia linger on, and in the popular view it still constitutes a point of reference”.Which aspect of poverty are you most concerned by? “Moldova is experiencing a moment of crisis, just like most European countries, even though it is viewed as a Country of reference for the delocalization of European investments, where Italy ranks first. Moldova’s Ministry of Economy a few days ago announced a timid recovery. But local economy certainly depends on immigrants’ remittance – a quarter of the overall population lives abroad -. Indeed, it has always constituted the domestic product, involving the agricultural and real estate sectors along with the small industry. But it did not succeed in lowering the threshold of poverty, since a quarter of the population lives in conditions of serious social discomfort. The local population considers migration as the primary objective, mostly to Russia and Italy. The Italian Embassy in Chisinau released as many as twenty-five thousand visas to Moldovan citizens. The pressure of migration is due to the fact that the population is afraid of becoming poor, considering that the average monthly salary amounts to one hundred eighty two euros. The youth is also affected by social poverty. They are the ‘social orphans’, since their mothers work as caregivers in Italy. Each caregiver in Italy is a missing mother in a Moldovan family. We must not forget that women represent 68% of all migrants. The elderly also constitute a tragically poor social bracket; they represent the forgotten and abandoned past. The extent of the Moldovan Catholic Church’s commitment in these fields of action can be easily imagined”.What can you tell us about human trafficking? What is your appeal? “The phenomenon of human trafficking, notably for sexual purposes, is the major affliction of this beautiful country. A large number of young women fall victims of criminal organizations and are dumped on the streets of Europe by ruthless individuals. The Catholic Church in Moldova has been devoting her energies to combating human trafficking. The praiseworthy work of the Regina Pacis Foundation in the streets, in the dialogue with students and politicians, which led to the successful return home of many young people to whom the Foundation provided employment, is but an example. This phenomenon is no longer as widespread as it once was, also thanks to the pastoral work on the streets. I feel I must make an appeal to Europe: let us not wait for these young girls to become the victims of the streets before we remember about their existence. We must provide them with out support in Moldova, transmitting them infinite hope. Human trafficking decrease was followed by a surge in sexual tourism. In fact, Moldova is one of the destinations of woman trafficking. The Catholic Church is presently engaged in prizing the concept of female dignity and readdressing femininity as a value”. What does Moldova’s population need the most? “Today Moldovans wish to expand their relations and contacts. They want to emerge from the limiting dimension of a country that has been the periphery of the Soviet Union for far too long. The Moldovan people yearn to learn more about Europe and about the Church’s role in the various Europeanization processes. They long to be taught the Gospel and be imparted catechesis or be involved in dialogue with learned priests. They would like to have oratories to keep the youth off the streets, within safe environments, along with charity works that would bring bread and hope. They yearn for educational projects and new education tools in kindergartens and primary schools. They’re seeking certainties, and they are well aware that the Catholic Church, thanks to the ongoing commitment of priests and religious, can provide these certainties without demanding that they relinquish their Orthodox creed”.What does it mean to be a minority Church?“Catholics in Moldova constitute approximately 1% of the overall population. The Catholic Church in Moldova is a minority religion. But being a minority is also a great opportunity and certainly it is also a great gift of God, since it educates to the humbleness of pastoral care, whose effectiveness depends on individual credibility. Those who draw close and choose to be members of the Catholic Church are motivated by the novelty of the proposal, by the Catholic Church’s concrete commitments and consistency, which is in accordance with evangelical choices. Oftentimes, the life choices and commitments of individuals are pointed at, and diversity, stemming from sacrifice and coherence, transforms the minority group into a “dying seed”. Today, the Catholic Church in Moldova is sowing her seeds. However, the fruits will be collected by other pastors and at a different moment in history. We must not fear being a minority, since it is a great gift of God. But we must fear becoming the “dying seed”, thus preventing Moldovan population from receiving what they justly ought to receive from us in order to grow in their human and Christian dimension”. What do you expect from Europe?“Moldova is looking forward to entering Europe. Today it’s just a proximity State. It represents the border between the European Union and the ex-Soviet bloc. The path leading to Moldova’s EU adhesion is still very long. The Country’s domestic problems must urgently be solved, as demanded also by the EU. These are: the situation of the separatist region of Transnistria, the phenomena of corruption and illegal migration, the traceability of the borders with Romania and Ukraine, the enforcement of the rule of the law. These are very delicate problems, which a Country seeking EU-adhesion must address, at least by making clear choices. Moldovans would like to be free to circulate in Europe. However, they currently fall within the visa regime, despite the ratification of a facilitation agreement. EU membership requires preparatory actions, notably the elimination of pockets of poverty and the resolution of serious problems, for the benefit of the population. But Europe is expected to be the promoter of values, especially those concerning the protection of the family, the respect of life, democracy, and the respect of human dignity. Economic flow is insufficient, although it requires supervision, while political and social measures must be those of a Country that wishes to be viewed as ‘democratic'”. Fact sheetThe Catholic Church is official in Moldova since 1993. The bishop was appointed in the year 2000. Currently a Diocese serves the Moldovan faithful, marked by a strong Christian tradition. Catholics in Moldova represent approximately 1% of the overall population. There are seventeen Parishes located across the Country, actively engaged in pastoral work. Owing to the presence of priests and religious of different nationalities, the “street pastoral care” provides help to the needy and offers skilled social service and assistance, dialogue and support to everyone. This efficient pastoral activity has brought the Moldovan population to learn more about the Catholic Church, notably the missionary engagement, which is not aimed at proselytism but at religious dialogue, mutual understanding, sharing of pastoral programs, and friendship: the springboard of all ecumenical activities. Some figures: on a population of four million people, some 20thousand are lay Catholics. Their religious counsel is granted by 18 diocesan priests and by 16 religious priests. There are 422 religious women and 17 parish churches. 5 students are undergoing their religious formation in the Seminary.