Pope encourages Catholic Charities USA in its work of service to the poor
October 08, 2014
Pope Francis has issued a video message to participants at the annual meeting of Catholic Charities USA.
“As Jesus called the apostles and the early Church to ‘follow’ Him, the course of their own lives changed,” he said. “The early Church witnessed that change of pace and called for a new way to relate to each other and serve the ‘least of these’ … The early Christian community took that message and encounter to heart. They modeled a new way of being, charting a new course in a world that seemed uncaring.”
The Pope added:
Here I repeat for all the Church what I have often said: Going out on the streets you can have an accident, but staying locked in will make you ill. I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.”
You are the engine of the Church that organizes love -- Caritas -- for all believers to work together to respond through the corporal works of mercy. You set the pace for the Church to be in the world each day. You help others change the course of their own lives. You are the salt, leaven and light that provides a beacon of hope to those in need. You as Catholic Charities USA help to change the course of your local communities, your states, your country and the world by your witness to that encounter with the Lord Jesus, who gives us abundant life and joy. The joy of serving and, advocating for the good of all continues that call of the early Church to make sure that all needs are met.
I ask that you see your leadership as service; that you practice mercy which is a core Christian message for us; and that you keep the poor always before you, in all that you do. They will precede us into the Kingdom of heaven, they will open the gates for us. We are called to be a Church, a people of and for the poor.
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Oct. 08, 2014 6:48 PM ET USA
I am ignorant here. Does Catholic Charities USA (Inc.?) have missionaries? If so, are these missionaries permitted to speak of Catholicism to the people who receive the U.S. federal aid that is funneled through that corporation? If I am off base here, please let me know. I'll consider changing my giving habits at the next 2nd collection.
