About us

People carrying on Bishop Andrew's work

Antoniushilfe e.V. is a Christian charity. Everyone works as a volunteer – in Germany and in Pakistan. That is why your donations reach the children in full.

Bishop Dr Andrew Francis in episcopal vestments with mitre and crozier

Born29 November 1946, Adah (Pakistan) Ordained priest10 January 1972 Bishop of Multanfrom 2000 Died6 June 2017, Lahore

Our founder

Bishop Dr Andrew Francis

In 2000 Pope John Paul II appointed Andrew Francis Bishop of Multan. He chaired the national commission for ecumenism, was a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in Rome and, as chairman of the Justice and Peace Commission, stood up for religious minorities.

He helped everyone in need, regardless of faith or background – after floods and earthquakes as well as in the daily life of the slums. Children and young people were especially close to his heart. In 2016 he founded Anthony's Foundation for the orphans of Lahore.

For many years he visited Germany regularly and spoke, among other places, on Radio Horeb about the situation of Christians in Pakistan. These encounters grew into deep friendships from which Antoniushilfe later emerged.

“Your task is to help the children of the street.”Bishop Andrew Francis to Anthony Javed

Read the full life of Bishop Andrew → How it all began: our story →

A bishop for everyone

Whether in the villages of his diocese or in Rome – Bishop Andrew was close to people.

Bishop Andrew praying with men from a village — Praying with the faithful of his diocese

Bishop Andrew blessing a mother's child — Blessing a mother and her child

Bishop Andrew talking with a girl — Children were especially close to his heart

Bishop Andrew holding a small child — Helping families in need

Bishop Andrew greeting guests at a meeting — Working for interreligious dialogue

Bishop Andrew at an encounter in St Peter's Square — An encounter in Rome

Our team

Three people, two countries, one shared mission.

Sajal and Anthony Javed, a married couple, with a mother and children at a food distribution — Sajal Javed (left) and her husband Anthony Javed (right) at a food distribution

Reiner Wettcke

Founder and chairman · Germany

Met Bishop Andrew before he became a bishop. Leads the association from Germany and raises awareness of the children's needs. Professionally, he has led therapeutic fasting retreats for 25 years.

Anthony Javed

Project lead on site · Lahore

Baptised and supported by Bishop Andrew, he studied law on his advice so he could also stand up for the children legally. At the bishop's deathbed he promised to continue his mission.

Sajal Javed

Treasurer and Sangla Hill project

Has visited the sick and orphans since the age of 13. After studying political science she devotes herself fully to the children, mothers and especially the girls of Sangla Hill. She is married to Anthony Javed.

Rooted in faith

Our service is rooted in the Gospel: “Because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

100% volunteer-run

No one in the association receives a salary. Every donation goes directly to the children.

Church-supported

Our work on the ground is linked to the Catholic Church and supported by the Diocese of Lahore.

Become part of Antoniushilfe

As a member, sponsor, volunteer or with a regular donation.

Get involved Donate now