Bishop Larry Silva: Campaign for Human Development

“Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?” And the King will say to them in reply, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me … but Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” (Matthew 25:14-15, 19-21)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace be with you!

We will all hear the above Gospel passage on Sunday, November 23, the Solemnity of Christ the King. On that day, the U.S. Catholic bishops annually call for all parishes to make a second collection for funding the Catholic Campaign for Human Development — CCHD.

CCHD was founded as a domestic anti-poverty program in 1970 by the U.S. Catholic bishops because they realized that existing charitable services were not creating all the changes needed to keep people out of poverty. This year, the CCHD collection materials, which were sent to all parishes, focus on “Working on the Margins” and use the very inspiring words of Pope Francis “Never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity!” (July 25, 2013)

CCHD funds community and economic development programs across the United States that help marginalized people join together to make decisions, seek solutions to local problems, and find ways to improve their lives and communities in alignment with Catholic Social Teaching.

CCHD provides opportunities for Catholics in the United States to “work in solidarity with the poor for a more just world.” CCHD is a vital partner in our diocesan efforts to witness to Jesus with the vulnerable, following in the footsteps of Sts. Damien and Marianne of Molokai.

I encourage you all to give generously to this CCHD collection as a very real way to witness to Jesus and live the Gospel words “whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me.”

May the Lord bless you always!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Larry Silva

Bishop of Honolulu