Joan Rosenhauer
The executive vice president of Catholic Relief Services’ U.S. Operations will be the guest speaker at the annual diocesan Red Mass 9 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.
Joan Rosenhauer will explain how the American Catholic community, through Catholic Relief Services, is bringing assistance to millions of people struggling in today’s global tragedies.
The Red Mass is the diocese’s yearly public prayer seeking wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit for Hawaii’s public servants. It is celebrated the day before the opening of the Hawaii State Legislature. More than 1,000 invitations have gone out to officials in the state executive, legislative and judicial branches, and to city and county officials, religious leaders and military officers.
Bishop Larry Silva will be the principal celebrant.
“The Gospel calls us to recognize Christ in those who are suffering and to bring his love to our brothers and sisters in need,” said Rosenhauer in a summary of her talk.
“Through Catholic Relief Services, the church in the U.S. is providing immediate relief such as food, clean water, shelter and medical care, promoting reconciliation and peace-building in conflict areas, helping traumatized children recover, and initiating development strategies to improve lives and livelihoods for the long term,” she said.
Rosenhauer leads CRS’ domestic programs and advocacy and oversees the organization’s marketing and communications strategy including all communications, media, web and social media initiatives.
The Red Mass has been a tradition in Hawaii since 1955. The special liturgy was introduced in the United States from Europe early last century and has become an annual event in Washington, D.C., and other major mainland cities.
The Mass is named for the color of the vestments used for a Mass of the Holy Spirit.