Partners with Caritas International
Back in June of 2005, a few LCUSA representatives traveled with Father Larry Snyder, President, CCUSA to Rome. While there they experienced and witnessed the commitment of the International Caritas Network demonstrated by a cultural, multi-lingual, collaborative staff in Rome. Caritas International functions in America under the aegis of CRS (Catholic Relief Services); CCUSA (Catholic Charities USA) and CCHD (Catholic Campaign for Human Development). Besides coordinating major relief efforts Caritas also works with policy makers to alleviate poverty and injustice at both the global and regional level.
The June itinerary included visits to a local outpatient health center, a hostel for the homeless (Caritas Roma), and to the offices of Caritas Italia. The staff there presented the most recent research on immigration in Italy and human trafficking. During the visit, the LCUSA representatives made known the many works of LCUSA. They explored ways to promote justice and engage in peace-building and reconciliation projects and increase our concern for the particular segment of the poor (85%) who are women and children.
And this trip brings us to Spring 2006 … Partners with Caritas International
In his recent encyclical, “Deus est Caritas,” Pope Benedict XVI specifically addressed Catholic charitable organizations such as the Ladies of Charity and urged them to work in a spirit of efficacy and creativity organized locally but also at the international level. The pope expands upon the meaning of the work charity and describes it as social both at the level of the person as well as of social groups. While there are times of immediate urgency charity is ideally of limited durations that results in the activation of the beneficiaries talents. This interaction with the poor humbles us, transforms us and walks in hand with the work of God and with its celebration.
In an interview in Vatican City, Denis Vienot, President of Caritas Internationalis, reported that the present challenge is to develop exchanges with international organizations, civil society, members of Roman Catholic and other churches and religions, and all men of good will. This cooperation is indispensable and vital given the variety of needs. Each institution is called upon to act according to its motivation, means and abilities. Ladies of Charity throughout the world walk with the poor to form inclusive and renewed communities that tend toward greater charity, justice and solidarity. “Relationship is at the heart of this challenge”.
This article was taken from Ladies of Charity USA quarterly publication,
The Servicette
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