by Jibran Khan

After nearly half a century in the service of the local population, especially the poor, the hospital run by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary could disappear . The economic crisis has caused a drastic decline in funds and donations. Appeals of the sick and needy, who have no other places to get free medical care . Advent fundraisers promoted in the parishes.

Rawalpindi (AsiaNews) - After nearly 50 years with the motto " Giving hope to life," the hospital of St. Joseph in Rawalpindi - administered by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary , led by Sister Margaret Walsh - is at risk of closure because of a lack of funds. For nearly half a century, the religious have offered their service and their work with unconditional love for the local people, regardless of faith , ethnicity or social status. The center and sisters won, in 2006, the Pakistan Government "Recognition of Excellence" for their work and commitment.

Founded in 1964 by the English Catholic missionary Francis O'Leary , St. Joseph Hospice for decades has guaranteed the best medical care to the poor and the handicapped in the city. With more than one hundred beds, the hospice has welcomed the needy by giving free care and medications, taking care of the weakest and providing training to staff.

The center has over time become the home of many who have been abandoned even by their loved ones , showing all the loving gaze of God regardless of their faith. However, because of rising costs and the gradual reduction in funding - a result of the global economic crisis - the St. Joseph Hospice is a serious risk of closure.

Interviewed by AsiaNews Sister Margaret Walsh, with a heavy heart, said that "the great majority of patients in care are Muslims" and come " to us because they know we can give them what they need ." The nun speaks of how her sisters have given the best of themselves in recent years and of how "it breaks my heart" to know that "we may have to close down". This is why she appeals to people to help "keep this vision alive."

For the chronically ill and people born with deformities, the center is a real home. Now, asks the nun , "Where will they go? " . It operated in a spirit of Christian charity and is now struggling to survive. For this reason, the first Sunday of Advent , the churches have launched an appeal for prayer and fundraising to support the structure and ensure the future of the mission as a "sign of hope."

• pakistan
• catholic
• hospital
• nuns
• closure
• funds