Czech Republic: The SSVP Inaugurates a “Well of Hope” in Stará Boleslav

On 15 March 2025, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) in the Czech Republic took another step in its commitment to the most vulnerable by beginning construction of the “Well of Hope”, a project aimed at ensuring access to drinking water for people experiencing homelessness in the city of Stará Boleslav.

The day began with a solemn Eucharist at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic, Monsignor Jude Thaddeus Okolo. This was followed by a gathering at the U Podivena Community Centre, where several guests shared words of encouragement and commitment to the Vincentian mission. Among them were Fr Kristián Balint (Congregation of the Mission), Sister Damiana (Visitor of the Daughters of Charity), Mr Llewelyn Perez (Labour Attaché, MWO Prague), and Mr Karl Michael Hila, National Adviser of SSVP Czechia.

The event concluded with the blessing of the land by the Nuncio, where the water pump for the shelter will be built, and with a moving gesture of fraternity: the distribution of food, gifts, and time spent with shelter residents, in collaboration with the Daughters of Rizal in Prague and the local parish community. A full day of living out the Vincentian spirit.

This achievement was made possible through the collaboration of SSVP Czechia, the International General Council, the Daughters of Charity and the Congregation of the Mission, with financial support from CIAD. Beyond meeting a basic need, this initiative also serves as an opportunity to encourage the formation of new Conferences in the country—particularly involving young people—and to strengthen the Vincentian presence in a context where only around 8% of the population identifies as Catholic.

The “Well of Hope” is more than just infrastructure: it is a project full of hope and a tangible expression of Vincentian charism towards those most forgotten. May this effort inspire new seeds.