Cast the Love of Christ upon the World

This weekend, the second collection will be the Peter's Pence Collection.

The Peter’s Pence Collection provides the Holy Father with the assistance he needs to carry out his most important charitable works. The proceeds benefit the most disadvantaged: victims of war, oppression, natural disasters, and others.

Pope Benedict XVI has said, “God’s love . . . gives us the courage to continue seeking and working for the benefit of all” (Caritas in Veritate, no. 78). Cast the love of Christ upon the world—please be generous in today’s Collection.

The Peter’s Pence Collection derives its name from an ancient custom. In ninth-century England. King Alfred the Great collected money – “pence” or pennies – from landowners as financial support for the Pope. Today, the Peter’s Pence Collection supports the Pope’s philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression, and disease

Examples of Peter’s Pence Collection Funded Programs

• Nazareth Boys Town in Mbare, Rwanda, received assistance from Pope Benedict XVI to take in abandoned orphans who are victims of genocide and civil war.
• Casa di accoglienza Giovanni Paolo II Opera Don Orione is a residence that gives free shelter and specializes in helping special-needs pilgrims to travel to Rome. It was recently refurbished through assistance provided by the Peter’s Pence Collection.
• In Bosnia, the Hospital of St. Vincent de Paul, a health institution in Sarajevo staffed by religious, was established with support of the Collection.

The second reading this weekend reminds us that our abundance must supply the needs of others.  Jesus became poor, so that we might become rich.  We are called to follow his example by giving of our time, talent, and treasure to help those in need.