Cardinal to emphasize Catholic identity in address to Catholic Charities

September 23, 2010

The Holy See Press Office announced on September 22 that Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes would emphasize Catholic identity in an upcoming address to Catholic Charities USA. The cardinal is president of the President of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum,” which Pope Paul VI established in 1971 to manifest the Church’s care for the needy.

“The cardinal will reflect on the faith roots of the Church’s charitable commitment and the need to nurture the specific identity of ecclesial organizations, as reaffirmed by the first encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI,Deus Caritas Est,” the statement noted.

“Catholic Charities USA,” the statement continued, “with more than 1,700 agencies and institutions operating in local dioceses, provides vital outreach to some nine million people a year of all religious, social and economic backgrounds. Pope Benedict ‘prays that the present [100th] anniversary will be an occasion for gratitude to Almighty God for the abundant harvest of generosity, solidarity and good works reaped.’”

“His Holiness encourages charity personnel to ‘see their work as a tangible witness of their faith in Christ.’”

In addition to the address by Cardinal Cordes, the organization’s upcoming centennial celebration includes Masses offered by Cardinal Francis George and Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a panel discussion led by MSNBC White House correspondent Norah O’Donnell, a keynote address by commentator Mark Shields, meetings with congressmen on Capitol Hill, and a concert by rhythm and blues singer Patti LaBelle.

 

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Further information:

• Cardinal Cordes At Centenary Of Catholic Charities USA (VIS)
• Pope Benedict: Deus Caritas Est
• Centennial Gathering Schedule at a Glance (Catholic Charities USA)