On behalf of Bishop Earl K. Fernandes and those who benefit from the Collection for the Church in Latin America, I want thank you for your generosity. Last year, $44,225.27 was received from the faithful in the diocese.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) invites everyone to help their brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church of Latin America and the Caribbean. This yearly collection helps to strengthen connections between the Church in the United States and the Church in the Latin America. 

In Latin America, thousands of people live in poverty and have spiritual needs. Are you aware of the seriousness of our Christian duty to help mankind in less fortunate lands than us? Our missionary endeavors should be one of our primary interests. Let us give our time and talents to help the urgent needs of the missions.

There are many good-hearted people who spend their free time or their vacation time working voluntarily to serve others and on mission service projects. They make their lives fruitful and valuable for the sake of Christ.

People battle with hunger, diseases, illiteracy and unemployment everywhere in the world, especially in mission lands. In the Bible, God advises the faithful that “You shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be” (Deuteronomy 15:8). 

Jesus Christ, our Savior, for the sake of mankind became man and suffered for us. St. Paul describes Christ’s mission: “Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:5-8). Jesus Christ, throughout His earthly life, always focused on His mission by Father’s will through total self-emptying love expressed in all His ministries.  

Pope Francis encourages all Catholics to support the missionary work of the Church.  In a 2018 visit to Peru, he said, “Many missionaries, men and women, have devoted themselves to your peoples and defended your cultures,” adding, “They did so inspired by the Gospel.” And he appealed to them, “Do not yield to those attempts to uproot the Catholic faith from your peoples.” (Vatican Dispatch, 2018). The pope continued, “I wanted to come to visit you and listen to you, so that we can stand together, in the heart of the Church." 

The Collection for the Church in Latin America has been a concrete countenance of unity and solidarity between Catholics in the United States and those in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through these contributions, Catholics from across the United States have supported the formation of priests and religious, the training of catechists and other pastoral ministers, the education of children and young people, and relief efforts in the wake of natural disasters. The funds help to accomplish the spiritual programs such as evangelization among non-Christians, among the urban poor, among minorities, and raise mission awareness and to promote vocations and work towards justice and peace. 

The Church in Latin America provides a solid expression of solidarity with our brothers and sisters throughout the hemisphere. Such an expression is a visible sign of faith and hope on our path to communion with God. 

For many living in Latin America and the Caribbean, a rising secular culture, difficult rural terrain and a shortage of ministers make it difficult for people to practice the faith. Your donations help take care of the evangelization programs of these regions.  Please prayerfully consider supporting this collection to share your faith with our brothers and sisters in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

A Church totally enlivened and impelled by the love of Christ, the Lamb slain for love, is the image within history of the heavenly Jerusalem, prefiguring the holy city that is radiant with the glory of God. It releases an irresistible missionary power that is the power of holiness. Through the prayers of the Virgin Mary, may the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean be abundantly clothed with power from on high in order to spread the holiness of Christ throughout this continent. 

 Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, pray for us!