Collection restores Church in E. Europe

On May 26-27, Catholics in the Albany Diocese can reach out to the growing Church in Central and Eastern Europe through a special collection.

The theme for the appeal, "Love is the Only Light," reflects the message of Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est."

That light is sorely needed in "societies shattered by the atheist rule of communism," Bishop Howard J. Hubbard said in a pulpit letter read in parishes last weekend.

Support system

The collection, established after the fall of communism in the late 1980s, exists to support an economically struggling Catholic Church in countries where religious practice was underground for decades.

Under communist governments, priests, bishops and lay leaders were imprisoned; churches were torn down and converted; religious materials were confiscated; and charities were dissolved.

Over the years, the collection has provided more than $100 million for Catholic projects in such nations as Armenia, Estonia, Serbia, Slovakia and Tajikistan.

Light of love

"With a love that brings radiant light, Catholics in the United States help through this collection to build parishes in many distant, unknown places," Bishop Hubbard wrote. "Your generous donations support seminaries, social service programs, youth ministry, pastoral centers, schools, church construction and renovation, and the spreading of the Gospel message through the mass media.

"Catholics in Central and Eastern Europe are replanting the roots of faith after three generations of religious persecution. Here is an extraordinary opportunity for us to give concrete witness to our compassionate concern for the universal Church.

"I invite you to give your generous support to the collection, and share the hope and freedom that we have been privileged to enjoy in this country."

(5/24/07) [[In-content Ad]]