As we begin our journey this new year seeking to witness to Jesus by deepening our love of God and neighbor, the feast of the Epiphany and images of the Magi remind us of the international appeal of the vulnerable child in the manger. Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines also shows us how global solidarity with victims of natural disasters manifests God’s call to reach out to those in need.
The American Catholic Church is blessed with a special organization that shares our journey of discovering Emmanuel — God with us — among the vulnerable worldwide. Catholic Relief Services is the U.S. church’s international humanitarian agency. CRS carries out the commitment of the U.S. bishops “to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas.”
The bishops state: “CRS is motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching as we act to:
Promote human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies; and,
Serve Catholics in the United States as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.
As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, CRS works with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, as well as other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality.”
Around the world, CRS serves God manifest in our vulnerable sisters and brothers.
This year, as we begin our faith journey, we are blessed to have as the speaker for the diocesan Red Mass, 9 a.m., Jan. 20 at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Joan Rosenhauer, the CRS executive vice president for U.S. Operations. She will “talk story” with us about how CRS helps us recognize and respond to Christ through “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 the lives and livelihoods for the long term.”
Before the Red Mass, she will join pilgrims to Kalaupapa, following the footsteps of St. Damien and St. Marianne in witnessing to Jesus among the most vulnerable. In addition, she will speak at various gatherings and Catholic schools around Hawaii. CRS will also share its story in videos on the diocesan website, www.catholichawaii.org. We begin the new year grateful for these gifts in our journey together to witness to Jesus.
Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry