For many members of religious orders, there are no retirement plans or pensions, according to The Catholic Spirit. Some seniors who belong to Christian communities choose to rely on the help of their younger counterparts.
Unfortunately, the elderly populations of some religious groups have now become too big to care for adequately.
Joe Micallef, a member of the Cathedral of St. Paul, says he and the other members of his community need to take care of the women who allow them to practice their religion, reports the publication.
"We have a responsibility to take care of these holy women," Micallef told the news source. "They're marked by humility, service and commitment. They're living examples and we need to make sure their healthcare needs are being met."
In 1988, the U.S. bishops launched the Retirement Fund for Religious, according to the National Religious Retirement Office. Since then, the fund has received nearly $589 million in donations.
© Copyright