“We are extremely grateful to the Sisters of St. Ann for their very generous contribution to the long-term vision and mission of Development and Peace,” said Serge Langlois, the executive director of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.

“It is especially poignant to receive their support in our jubilee year, as we celebrate 50 years of solidarity with the people of the Global South and reaffirm our mission to helping the world’s most vulnerable.”

The donation, the largest private contribution ever received by D&P was announced at St. Patrick’s Church in Victoria, where the sisters, Langlois, D&P members, and others gathered for a recognition ceremony.

The donation will be invested in a “solidarity fund” with the interest generated targeted for various projects.

Humanitarian crises will receive 25 per cent of the interest while 75 per cent of the interest will be directed toward D&P goals: peace and reconciliation, equal rights for women and men, ecological justice, and democracy and citizen participation.

Sister Marie Zarowny, the provincial leader of the Sisters, said from their founding the sisters have worked to alleviate poverty through education and health care in Canada and elsewhere. “From its beginning 50 years ago, Development and Peace has been a valued partner as our members became part of local, provincial and national initiatives. Today more than ever, the goals of Development and Peace need to be pursued, and we are pleased to be able to provide a lead donation to the Solidarity Fund, ensuring its work continues into the future.”

Last year the Sisters of St. Ann donated $3 million to Saint Mark’s College in Vancouver to establish the Marie Anne Blondin Chair in Theology, focusing on teaching and research regarding the Catholic faith.

(The B.C. Catholic)