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By Rosemary Miller
The 100th anniversary of
Catholic Charities USA, on Sept.
25, was celebrated with Mass at
the Basilica of the Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception in
Washington, D.C. Cardinal Francis
E. George of Chicago, president of
the U.S. Conference
of Catholic
Bishops, was the
celebrant.
Immediately
afterward, the
congregation processed to the
steps of McMahon
Hall at The Catholic University of
America, for a photograph.
Exactly 100 years ago to the day,
the founders of Catholic Charities
USA (formerly the National
Conference of Catholic Charities)
were photographed on those steps.
Through the decades, Catholic
Charities USA has worked to
reduce poverty and has built one of the
country’s largest and most effective socialservice
networks. In his homily, Cardinal
George said, “Dear Brothers and Sisters in
Christ, the greatest poverty is to not know
Jesus Christ; and the greatest challenge is
to serve the poor in Christ’s name with
complete respect for their dignity and their
personal freedom.”
During a fourday conference spanning the
anniversary, Cardinal Paul Josef
Cordes, president of the Pontifical
Council Cor Unum
at the Vatican, addressed the assembly. He
brought Vatican greetings and spoke about
charity and spirituality. Father J. Bryan
Hehir, former president of Catholic
Charities USA, joined Janet Lawson of the
Ford Volunteer Corps and broadcast journalist
Norah O’Donnell for a panel discussion
about providing social services in the
current environment and beyond, and
about funding for innovative programs
against poverty. Father Hehir also introduced
his new book, “Catholic Charities
USA: 100 Years at the Intersection of
Charity and Justice.”
The conference included meetings with
information about programs and services
involving immigration, housing, homelessness,
hunger, education, job training, health
care, financial literacy, disaster response
and services to seniors.
Father Larry Snyder led the assembly
through an extraordinary celebration of
100 years of service and introduced his
new book, “Think and Act Anew: How
Poverty in America Affects Us All and
What We Can Do about It.”
As we enter the next century we are
well armed with knowledge, experience,
faith-filled leaders and guidance from our
Catholic social teachings. Our vision has
been set and we forge ahead with new
resolve.
Rosemary Miller is executive director
of Catholic Social Services of Montana.
Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 26, No. 10, October 15, 2010.
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