WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 20, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America announced today the approval of more than $5.2 million in grant funding for 121 projects to aid the pastoral and reconstruction work of the Catholic Church in 20 countries throughout Latin America.
“These projects are important in assisting the Church in Latin America continue the work of proclaiming the Gospel throughout the region,” said Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, chair of the subcommittee. “Projects designed to implement the new evangelization are showing results among the faithful. Almost $2 million was awarded to pastoral projects.”
As well, $3.3 million was granted to continue helping the Church in Haiti rebuild after the 2010 earthquake. Specifically two reconstruction projects received funding: the construction of a multi-purpose building in the Diocese of Jacmel, and the structural reinforcement of the co-cathedral of Miragoane. “The base-isolation reinforcement of the co-cathedral in Miragoane is touted as a cutting-edge technology in Haiti, and will not only prevent deaths in a future earthquake but will also help save the historic cathedral,” said Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, a member of the subcommittee and chairman of the USCCB’s Haiti Advisory Group. “We are now seeing concrete fruits of our efforts to assist the Church in Haiti rebuild.”
Funding to assist the formation of religious, seminarians and clergy totaled almost $650,000, or about 33.4% of the pastoral funds awarded. These grants will assist in the education of more than 1,100 women and men as they prepare for ministry.
