Mélina Facchin 06:10, March 31, 2022

In Moselle, the large convent of Saint-Jean-de-Bassel, where 50 nuns live daily, has been welcoming around thirty Ukrainian refugees for two weeks.

Among them, many young women and children who have fled the war and who find here a little peace, comfort and a form of security.

In Moselle, the large convent of Saint-Jean-de-Bassel, where fifty nuns live daily, has been welcoming about thirty Ukrainian refugees for two weeks.

Among them are many young women and children who have fled the war and who find peace and comfort here.

34 Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed since mid-March in the large convent of Saint-Jean-de-Bassel, in Moselle.

Many of them can rest here, recharge their batteries, enjoy the surrounding nature and French lessons.

The 50 sisters who live here year-round have not hesitated for a moment to adapt and show generosity.

"It's quiet here, I feel safe"

This very large convent is a little less quiet than usual.

Among the 34 Ukrainians, Iliana, her son Sacha and her daughter Anna found help in this convent.

"The environment here is beautiful, it's calm," smiles the young mother.

"And then the people are very nice, very welcoming," she adds, grateful.

"I feel safe," says Sacha, 15.

"Unfortunately, my dad couldn't come with us because of the war… But I feel good here."

On the program, for the refugees: lots of rest, games, walks and also French lessons, given by volunteers.

"It's a difficult language to learn," admits Iliana, "but I want to speak it out of respect for this country that welcomes us and to be able to find work while the war lasts."

Nuns delighted to "help their neighbour", but who need donations

The fifty nuns who live here, like Sister Odile, see their daily life a little shaken up with joy: "We were surprised at the start, of course", she admits with a smile.

"But it was with pleasure that the whole community welcomed them. This is precisely the heart of our way of life: helping those who need help, helping our neighbour."

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But welcoming refugees still has a cost, explains Guillaume Lecorvaisier, manager of the convent: "It's 30 euros per day and per person, or about 1,000 euros per day", he explains.

For the time being, the surge of generosity in the region has made it possible to find these funds, but in order to be able to continue to welcome refugees for as long as necessary, the convent is today launching an appeal for donations.

You can send a check directly to the following address: Mother House of the Sisters of Divine Providence, 14 main street, 57930 Saint Jean de Bassel.