By Catholic Relief Services Amina Bukar, a mother of five, is a well-respected leader and small-business owner in Muna Moforo, Nigeria. In her village nutrition group, she teaches mothers how to prepare nutrient-rich porridge for their children to help them grow strong and healthy. This is important because in Nigeria, more than 25 million people […]
Talk story: We are all pilgrims in Lent and in life
Office for Social Ministry “This Lent, as we share in the grace of the Jubilee Year, I would like to propose a few reflections on what it means to journey together in hope, and on the summons to conversion that God in his mercy addresses to all of us, as individuals and as a community.” (Pope Francis, […]
Talk story: Sharing Stories of Hope through CRS Rice Bowl
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the annual CRS Rice Bowl, the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services. CRS is the official relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. CRS Rice Bowl began during preparation for the 1975 World Eucharistic Congress in the United States, when Catholics in Pennsylvania prayed, fasted […]
Talk story: Rice Bowl’s eucharistic roots
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MNISTRY “Today the cry of so many of our oppressed brothers and sisters rises to heaven and moves the heart of God. Lent is a time to ask ourselves: Do we hear that cry? Does it trouble us? Does it move us?” (Pope Francis, Message for Lent 2024) Pope Francis’ 2024 […]
Bishop Larry Silva: Letter on the CRS Rice Bowl
Dear Friends in Christ, Every year the season of Lent calls us on a journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to come closer to Jesus, the Son of God who shared and redeemed our vulnerable humanity. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops invites us to participate in the Lenten journey through the Catholic Relief Services-CRS […]
Talk story: Rivers of blood and tears
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “Rivers of blood and of tears are flowing in Ukraine … War is madness! Stop, please! Look at this cruelty!” (Pope Francis, Angelus, March 6) As casualties continue to rise in the Russia-Ukraine war, Pope Francis said the Catholic Church “is ready to do everything to put itself at the service […]
Talk story: Overcoming malnutrition and hunger
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “Along with vaccines, fraternity and hope are the medicine we need in today’s world.” (Pope Francis) Pope Francis has long advocated for health as a basic human right and for universal access to basic healthcare, especially for the most vulnerable. This Lenten season, he has underscored this point with his “Fratelli […]
Talk story: Listening with an open heart
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “Fraternity means to lend a helping hand. Fraternity means respect, listening with an open heart…It is the challenge of our times.” (Pope Francis, Feb. 4, First International Day of Human Fraternity) While many might argue that the COVID-19 pandemic is the most profound challenge in the world today, Pope Francis contends […]
