The 2015 Annual Peter’s Pence Collection will be taken up in many US dioceses the weekend of June 27-28. Through this collection, Catholics have an opportunity to support the humanitarian and charitable works of Pope Francis that reach out to the marginalized and poor.
The theme for the collection is “Be a Witness of Charity,” emphasizing the need to show the mercy of God to others. Donations to this annual worldwide collection help the Pope support victims of war and religious persecution, natural disasters, and those suffering around the world.
“Through the Peter’s Pence Collection individuals can join with Pope Francis in providing much needed care and relief to those who find themselves suffering or on the margins.” said Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati, chairman of the Committee on National Collections of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “This collection is a way to be a witness to the love of Christ in unity with Catholics all around the world.”
More information about the Peter’s Pence Collection can be found at http://www.usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/peters-pence/collection/index.cfm
In addition to donations that the Pope often sends to peoples when natural disasters strike, the Holy Father’s charitable works also benefit the poor of Rome.
For example, Pope Francis has had showers installed at the Vatican for the use of the homeless. He’s given out sleeping bags for the homeless, facilitated tours of the Vatican Museums, and most recently, enabled two busloads of homeless and poor people to visit the Shroud of Turin.
His predecessors have made similar gestures.
