Collection assists pope in providing aid around globe

Each year, Pope John Paul II relies on Catholics from the Albany Diocese and around the world to provide emergency assistance to victims of war, oppression, disaster and hunger via the annual Collection for the Works of the Holy Father, formerly known as Peter's Pence.

"When we contribute to the fund, we are actively living the truth in love and speaking the truth in deeds," wrote Bishop Howard J. Hubbard in a pulpit letter read at parishes last weekend.

The collection will be taken up in parishes throughout the Albany Diocese at Masses on July 24-25.

The long-running collection -- founded officially in 1860 by Pope Pius X -- is based on a model used by a ninth-century English king who collected monies from landowners to support papal efforts to preach, expand and bolster the faith.

Catholics all over the world support the papal charities that benefit from this appeal, but U.S. Catholics -- in Albany and scores of other dioceses -- "generously provide almost 50 percent of the gifts" that help people afflicted by conflict and poverty, Bishop Hubbard noted.

Ninety-eight cents of every dollar donated goes directly to efforts to alleviate suffering among the poor, according to Rev. John Vlazny, collection chairman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"As we participate in this special appeal, we join with more than one billion Catholics in a loving expression of worldwide solidarity," said Bishop Hubbard. "I ask you to consider contributing to the collection this year, and I am grateful for your generosity. Together, let us ask the Lord to continue to bless us and the Holy Father in all that we do."

(7/22/04)