Just four simple words are comforting the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, as they face the devastating impacts of the global COVID-19 crisis. 

#WeAreStillHere is the message of an awareness and fundraising campaign launched in the last weeks across social media by Missio Malta, quickly becoming an international rallying cry for Catholic  missionaries around the world. “In times of hardship, it’s important that we stick together. COVID-19 is having a significant impact on  our mission partners and the Church, and it’s vital that we help support the work of mission to the  most vulnerable in this time,” says Missio Malta Communications and Fundraising Head, Robert  Farrugia.

“Just four words – we are still here – constitute a simple message with great impact. It’s saying that  those most in need are still being given the best practical and pastoral support during the current global  emergency.”

The #WeAreStillHere campaign aims to raise awareness of Missio Malta projects both globally and  locally. The organisation is also running an appeal for funds to ensure the critical work for children,  communities and future church leaders can continue functioning.  

Rev. Raymond Portelli, a Gozitan missionary doctor, serves in the Parish of San Martin de Porres in  Iquitos, Peru where they were also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is worth mentioning that  this poor city is cut off from the rest of the country and here you will find neither pharmacies and clinics  nor doctors.

“Many volunteers came together and from the parish kitchen started preparing and distributing 200  meals a day to the vulnerable. Parishioners were encouraged to remember their neighbours and see  that as many people as possible did not lack anything or suffer moments of hunger. The situation is  one of sorrow, so much so that by the beginning of May between 40 and 50 people were dying every  day due to the pandemic. Poverty did not help and the lockdown did not work, because the hungry, who are many, still left their homes to find food. HERE IT ARRIVED TOO, BUT I BELIEVE WE WILL  OVERCOME IT,” described the situation Rev. Ray Portelli.