Important Update: Since March 27, Franciscan University has provided room and board for 50 Ukrainian mothers and children at our study-abroad site in Austria. Because of the generosity of donors, we can now continue to offer hospitality through the end of June, instead of the planned two-months. Most of the refugees hope to return to their home country later this summer. Others will need to find suitable housing in Austria, since their homes are uninhabitable. All donations raised beyond the initial costs to house and feed the Ukrainians at our Austrian campus will go to help them find a safe place to live.
As of March 29, 2022
Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Austrian Campus has opened two wings of the Kartause Maria Thronus Iesu (Monastery of Our Lady, Throne of Jesus) to a group of 41 children and women refugees from Ukraine. While many early Ukrainian refugees needed only temporary housing on their way to family or friends throughout Europe, an increasing number have no one to care for them and need longer-term residences.
To support these children and women fleeing their war-torn country, Franciscan University will provide shelter and food for the next two months at the Kartause. There is also a Byzantine Catholic chapel to meet their spiritual needs and a classroom for the children to continue their studies.
