Andres Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry, recently went on a mission trip to Egypt, to assist Catholic Relief Services in their mission to help the poor and vulnerable overseas.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the United States Catholic Bishops, “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 to promote human development.”
To this end, CRS responds to major emergencies, helps in the fight against poverty and disease, and works to create peaceful and just societies. CRS also serves Catholic in the U.S. as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.
During his visit in February, Arango visited schools for refugees; interreligious peace-building programs; services to unaccompanied minors; and witnessed the work of the Missionaries of Charity, the order begun by Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, and their aid to the homeless. An influx of 190,000 refugees particularly from Syria, Ethiopia, Sudan and Eritrea have recently poured into Egypt, seeking comfort.
“To see firsthand the powerful impact of CRS programs in the field was a transformative experience for me,” Arango said. “It was amazing to witness the ministry of so many people serving the most poor and vulnerable.”
Arango also mentioned that CRS is currently assisting 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, providing people with access to health care and education; helping farmers improve their productivity in the face of climate change; and helping communities prepare for natural disasters.
Catholic Relief Services “has resources for the Latino community to learn and be more involved in our social justice commitment. At the same time, helping with our prayers and the financial resources will allow us to help CRS to serve Jesus in the neediest around the world,” he said.
For more information and to support Catholic Relief Services’ mission, visit www.crs.org
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