OTTAWA (CCN) — CNEWA Canada is preparing a special celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the humanitarian organization’s inception in Canada.
Adriana Bara, national director, promises that the Nov. 7 gala at St. Elias Centre in Ottawa will be an enjoyable, inspiring and memorable evening with special guests Joseph Hazboun of Jerusalem and Michel Constantin of Beirut, Lebanon, who will be on hand to thank donors and supporters of CNEWA and shed light on the situation of vulnerable communities in Jerusalem, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and beyond, where in close partnership with Eastern Catholic churches, CNEWA works to bring love and hope for suffering people.
Many of these lands, Bara points out, were among the first to receive the light of the Gospel, but are now encircled in the gloom of war, persecution and grinding poverty, with entire Christian communities facing the threat of permanent displacement.
Hazboun and Constantin are regional directors of CNEWA’s pontifical mission, Hazboun at the Jerusalem field office, Constantin in Beirut where he is responsible for programs in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Iraq.
“I have seen the establishment and the development of CNEWA Canada over the years, and I have always admired the team working in Canada for their dynamic approach, and at the same time their dedication and flexibility,” said Constantin. “For me it is a great opportunity to be with them, and also to meet members of the Lebanese diaspora This will give me a chance to really express the situation of the Christians in Lebanon and also in Syria, Egypt and Iraq.”
He added that apart from conveying information from the ground on the realities of life for Christians and others in the Holy Land, he feels compelled to speak on behalf of people whose voices are seldom heard around the world.
“I am happy to come to Canada for this important event, but I also feel the weight of the responsibility in being the voice of the voiceless suffering people and the voice of the challenged local Church in this part of the world,” Constantin said. “I am also happy to share this experience with my colleague Joseph Hazboun who is coming from the Holy Land where the suffering is unprecedented. It is really an honour and a grace to speak on behalf of all those people who did nothing wrong in their life but being born in a land of conflict which is also a Holy Land. It is painful to witness their suffering but also rewarding to speak for them.”
Both Hazboun and Constantin are frontline workers and have heartbreaking and heartwarming stories to share.
“CNEWA has been working continuously in Lebanon since 1949, and throughout the years has been able to implement its mission in supporting the Christians of the middle east in an efficient way through the local Church,” Constantin said. “Without the support of the contributors and especially the generous donations from Canada, the people would have suffered much more and CNEWA wouldn’t have been able to alleviate the misery of the poorest of the poor, and wouldn’t have been able to fortify the local Church.”
Bara explained that although CNEWA has a long history, dating back to 1926, when it was founded by Pope Pius XI, the Canadian office was launched 20 years ago on the initiative of Canadian bishops. Carl Hetù, its first executive director, had a leading role in building its foundation, she said.
Bara pointed out that an important feature of the Canadian office is the Ukraine program, which is run from Ottawa, with Anastasia Hryniuk as its coordinator. Working with partners such as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and Caritas Ukraine, CNEWA continues to provide relief on the ground for displaced people and others in this war-ravaged country. CNEWA also helps religious sisters of different congregations to provide shelter, food, spiritual comfort and education to adults and children fleeing from the hardest hit areas.
Bara is touched by the gratitude of the Ukrainian people. In recognition of CNEWA Canada’s yeoman services, and as a gesture of thanks, Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, presented her with an icon when he visited Canada in February 2025. Members of the synod also visited Bara and her team at their Ottawa office.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition,” Bara said. “I received it on behalf of my colleagues and all our generous Canadian friends who continue to support our work.”
She added that the gala is an opportunity to celebrate the past, honour CNEWA’s supporters and special guests and to ask Canadians to continue their support with prayers, and if possible, with financial donations.
Tickets can be purchased through CNEWA Canada’s events website.
