A friend and colleague of murdered Jesuit priest Father Frans van der Lugt has received more aid to continue to helping destitute families in Syria.

Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need is supporting a pastoral centre in the city of Homs headed by Fr Ziad Hilal SJ. The centre is providing humanitarian aid, medical assistance and education for youngsters with learning difficulties.

Fr Frans van der Lugt requested its opening in 2012; he was killed last month while looking after Christian families trapped in the Old City of Homs.

Thousands of families from Homs and the surrounding area are cared for at the centre  regardless of their religious or ethnic background.

Source: Aid to the Church in Need