Collection backs papal charities

Every year, Catholics are invited to participate in the annual Collection for the Works of the Holy Father. It will take place at Masses throughout the Albany Diocese on July 28-29.

This year's theme is "Let us make sure that none of God's children ever feels alone."

More commonly known as "Peter's Pence," the collection was established in the 1860s to support papal efforts to preach, expand and bolster the faith.

Outreach

The modern collection enables Catholics to help Pope Benedict XVI and the Vatican respond to perilous situations around the globe, and provide emergency assistance for victims of poverty, oppression, disaster, hunger and war, as Bishop Howard J. Hubbard noted in a pulpit letter read at Masses last weekend.

"Through works of charity, Catholics provide a quiet but powerful witness of love and deeds to empower the weak, the defenseless, and the voiceless, and to sustain those who suffer," said Bishop Hubbard.

U.S. aid

Over one billion Catholics across the globe contribute in some way to Peter's Pence. Over the past ten years, contributions from the United States have totaled more than $175 million.

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, dioceses in America provide nearly half of all gifts donated each year, which are redistributed to citizens and organizations in counties beset by conflict and poverty.

"We share in the concern of the successor of Peter in many different needs of the universal Church and for the relief of those most in need around the globe," Bishop Hubbard said. "I am grateful for your generosity. Together, let us ask the Lord to bless the Holy Father and us, as well as those in need throughout the world."

(7/26/07)