Collection supports charities of Benedict XVI

Through the annual Collection for the Works of the Holy Father, Catholics are able to help Pope Benedict XVI respond to perilous situations around the globe as well as provide emergency assistance to victims of poverty, oppression, disaster, hunger and war, wrote Bishop Howard J. Hubbard in a pulpit letter read at Masses last weekend in the Albany Diocese.

The collection, commonly known as "Peter's Pence," will be taken up during Masses on July 29-30.

"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.

The theme for this year's collection is "Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to Him," words spoken by Pope John Paul II.

Over the past ten years, dioceses in the United States have contributed more than $175 million to the papal efforts. U.S. donors provide nearly half of the gifts to the Vatican, which are then redistributed to citizens in countries afflicted by conflict and poverty.

"As we participate in this special appeal, we join with more than one billion Catholics worldwide in a loving expression of solidarity. We share in the concern of the successor of Peter for the many different needs of the universal Church and for the relief of those most in need around the globe," said Bishop Hubbard. "I ask you to consider contributing to the collection, and 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."

(7/27/06) [[In-content Ad]]