Collection aids world's poor

The appeal supports agencies that build the international social ministry of the Church through advocacy on behalf of powerless and impoverished people, and that sponsor relief and resettlement services to victims of earthquakes, floods, war, and religious and ethnic persecution.

This year's theme is "Jesus in Disguise." The theme refers to those who are hungry, homeless, displaced without clean water or adequate health care, refugees, and those others Jesus called "these least brothers of mine" (Mt 25:40).

The theme also draws on Jesus' admonition in the Gospel of St. Matthew that in giving food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, welcome to the stranger and comfort to the ill and imprisoned, one is actually responding to Him.

Beneficiaries

* Catholic Relief Services is the overseas relief and development agency of American Catholics that works with the poor in more than 80 countries. CRS gives hope to a world in need through both emergency relief and long-term, sustainable development projects.

In 2000, CRS responded to the needs of war victims in the Horn of Africa and victims of ongoing civil conflict in the Philippines, contributed to peace-building in the Middle East, and helped poor women in Africa and southeast Asia obtain small loans and establish savings to provide financial security for their families.

* Migration and Refuge Services of the U.S. Catholic Conference resettles approximately one-quarter of all refugees admitted to this country by providing advocacy and pastoral care for all newcomers. Its Office of Refugee Programs, through a network of more than 100 diocesan refugee resettlement offices, reunites families, and ensures educational opportunities, health and employment services and housing for people fleeing war and oppression.

* The Department of Social Development and World Peace of the U.S. Catholic Conference applies Catholic social teaching on major domestic and international issues. It advocates for poor and vulnerable people, and for peace and justice around the world. It works to build the capacity of the Church on national, diocesan and parish levels to respond to global concerns.

Its work in the areas of debt relief to Third World countries, an international ban on land mines, religious freedom abroad and negotiated peace in warring countries transforms the Gospel message of justice and reconciliation into action.

* The Holy Father's Relief Fund assists victims of natural disasters and other emergencies around the world.

Grateful

He expressed his deep gratitude for the efforts in promoting this annual collection adding that "the enthusiastic involvement with the ABOA serves as a model in calling parishioners to a conversion of mind and heart, welcomes new immigrants into worship communities, and acknowledges solidarity with the poor and suffering of the world."

(03-22-01) [[In-content Ad]]