In the finest traditions of the Church in this country,
may you also be the first friend of the poor, the homeless,
the stranger, the sick and all who suffer.
Act as beacons of hope,
casting the light of Christ upon the world.
—Pope Benedict XVI,
Homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral,
New York, April 19, 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
Each year the Peter’s Pence Collection in support of the works of the Holy Father provides emergency relief assistance to those around the world who suffer from war, oppression, disease and natural disasters.
This year’s theme, Cast the Light of Christ upon the World, expresses the purpose of the Collection and echoes Pope Benedict XVI’s call to action for the Church during his apostolic journey to the United States last year.
This year the collection will be taken up in parishes of our diocese September 5-6 (Atlantic and Cape May Counties) and September 12-13 (Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem Counties).
With gratitude for your past support, I ask you to give as generously as your means allow when the collection is taken up in your parish. I also urge you to pray for the Holy Father as well as those in need throughout the world.
Fraternally,
Most Reverend Joseph A. Galante, D.D., J.C.D.
Bishop of Camden