杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

The 杏MAP导航鈥檚 representative in Armenia, Archbishop Jose Bettencourt, delivered a concrete sign of the Holy Father鈥檚 care and concern on Sunday.

The Apostolic Nuncio blessed a gift from 杏MAP导航 Francis for the Catholic 鈥淩edemptoris Mater鈥� Hospital in the northern Armenian town of Ashotsk.

Covid-fighting equipment

According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the gift consisted in a new ambulance equipped with the latest mobile medical equipment and emergency respirators to assist patients with Covid-19.

Archbishop Bettencourt, joined by Fr. Mario Cuccarollo鈥攖he director of the hospital, held a ceremony at the Ordinariate for Catholics of Armenian Rite in Eastern Europe.

The country鈥檚 Catholic Health Directorate also purchased additional medical equipment to test and treat Covid-19 patients for the hospital.

Armenia appears to be emerging from a third wave of coronavirus infections. The country鈥檚 population of over 3 million registered just 410 new cases over the past 24 hours.

The Apostolic Nuncio sprinkles holy water on the ambulance

Arriving after Armenian genocide anniversary

Several Vatican organizations joined forces to facilitate the arrival of 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� gift.

The 鈥淕ood Samaritan Foundation鈥�, a humanitarian agency which is part of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, as well as the Apostolic Nunciature in Armenia, took part in the gesture of mercy.

The 杏MAP导航鈥檚 gift came a day after the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, which recalls the brutal murder of countless Armenian Christians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

The blessing ceremony was held at the end of Sunday's Divine Liturgy

Assisting those in need

The 鈥淩edemptoris Mater鈥� hospital in Ashotsk is run by the Fathers of St. Camillus de Lellis, and provides heavily-subsidized healthcare for those in need, offering it free of charge for those who cannot pay.

The Camillians have been caring for people in the Southern Caucasus region for over 25 years.