Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated one weekend a year as the Holy Father’s Collection, commonly called “Peter’s Pence.” This annual collection, in support of the Holy Father’s charitable work, is held in parishes worldwide. This year in the Diocese of Columbus the Peter’s Pence Collection is on the weekend of June 21 and 22.
The proceeds from this collection fund the Pope’s emergency assistance relief programs throughout the world. The programs help suffering victims of war, oppression and natural disasters. The collection, which helps more than one billion Catholics around the world, is an expression of Christ’s love for the poor.
This contribution becomes a beacon of hope for the marginalized, refugees, migrants, children and elderly. Indeed, the support received by the Pope will be shared with those who find themselves in a situation of grave need, thus expressing the solicitude of a father who cares for all his children.
Join our brothers and sisters in faith from around the globe in helping the Pope carry out his ministry to the universal Church as we attempt to assist those who live at the spiritual and existential peripheries of our world. It is a sign of our communion with the Holy Father and a way to show support for our new Holy Father, Leo XVI. This collection is also an opportunity for us to help those in need as we are mandated to do by Christ.
Grateful to you for your continuing generosity and support and assuring you of my prayers, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes
Bishop of Columbus