Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Australia and New Zealand has this month marked a significant milestone, celebrating 60 years of service to persecuted and suffering Christians around the world.
What began at a kitchen table in Sydney in 1965 has grown into one of the most recognisable Catholic charities in the country, raising approximately $7 million annually to support thousands of pastoral and humanitarian projects worldwide.
The anniversary was commemorated with a Mass celebrated Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, who acknowledged ACN’s mission as “a bridge of love” linking Australian Catholics with communities living under persecution.
ACN’s origins stretch back to post‑war Europe.
Founded in 1947 by Dutch Norbertine priest Fr Werenfried van Straaten, the charity – then known as the Iron Curtain Relief Fund – was created to support displaced and persecuted Christians suffering under communist regimes.
In Australia, the foundation was established by Fr Coenen, a close collaborator of Fr Werenfried, with early fundraising largely carried out by the Collignon family.
Over six decades, ACN Australia and New Zealand has become a vital contributor to ACN International’s global network, which supports more than 5,000 projects each year.
These range from subsistence assistance for clergy and religious, to seminarian formation, church construction, pastoral transport, and emergency support for Christians fleeing conflict or targeted violence.
President of ACN Australia and New Zealand, Paul Woods, said the anniversary is both a moment of gratitude and renewed commitment.
“Since the establishment of our national office in Australia, ACN has grown to the point where around 15,000 Australian benefactors donate approximately $7 million annually,” he said.
“On behalf of the board of trustees, I thank the donors who support ACN’s fundraising work for their generosity and prayers.”
He also paid tribute to past directors, including Fr Coenen and the Collignon family, and acknowledged the leadership of current National Director, Bernard Toutounji.
The anniversary also marks formal expansion of fundraising operations into New Zealand—another milestone in ACN’s Asia‑Pacific presence.
ACN International Executive President Regina Lynch said the organisation’s growth in Australia and New Zealand reflects decades of faithful commitment.
“What started out as an initiative to support priests of the persecuted Church behind the Iron Curtain now reaches out…to persecuted and suffering Christians in all parts of the world,” she said. “You can be sure that those whom you help include you in their prayers.”
The Collignon family, who played an essential role in ACN’s establishment in Australia, also reflected on the milestone.
Ann Collignon said the work had been “a significant part of my family life… It is so important to know that it is continuing on to support the persecuted Church in so many parts of our world.”
Her brother Phillip, who served as National Director for nearly three decades, added: “It is God himself who helps His Church and motivates ACN’s loyal benefactors to pray and support the work of the charity.”
Current National Director, Bernard Toutounji, said the organisation remains steadfast in its mission.
“As we celebrate 60 years of ACN in Australia and New Zealand, we recommit ourselves to the mission: to stand with the suffering Church,” he said.
“What makes ACN unique is that we don’t just offer aid – we work to keep the faith alive… at home and abroad.”
More information, visit, www.aidtochurch.org