Alerts Sign-up
U.S. Catholics are being encouraged to support the U.S. bishops' national Collection for the Church in Latin America. This initiative aims to aid countries struggling with poverty, political instability, and natural disasters.
Most dioceses plan to gather contributions during Masses on the weekend of January 25-26, although some have chosen alternative dates. Donations can also be made through the online platform #iGiveCatholicTogether.
The collection began in 1965 as a way for U.S. Catholics to express solidarity with their counterparts in Central and South America and the Caribbean. A news release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, "Inspired by the Second Vatican Council, it recognizes spiritual bonds rooted in shared faith and history."
In the previous year, $6.2 million was distributed among more than 250 ministries in regions where external assistance is essential for the Catholic Church's sustainability. Over half of these funds addressed pastoral needs, while nearly 28% went toward disaster relief and about 20% supported vocations and clergy formation.
Examples of funded initiatives include:
- In Haiti, efforts were made to integrate Catholic social teaching on ecology with practical guidance on soil and water improvement.
- In Honduras's Diocese of Choluteca, migrants from Latin America, Asia, and Africa received support as part of a broader social outreach program.
- In the Dominican Republic, young women entering the Order of St. Clare received assistance.
- The International Eucharistic Congress held in Ecuador was subsidized.
Bishop Daniel H. Mueggenborg of Reno, Nevada, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on National Collections, highlighted Blessed Stanley Rother's legacy. Father Rother was martyred in Guatemala in 1981 due to his advocacy for impoverished communities. Bishop Mueggenborg reflected on Father Rother's influence: "His heroic witness inspired not only my own priestly vocation but helped inspire in me a deep love for the people of Latin America."
As chairman, Bishop Mueggenborg invites Catholics to participate in this collection: "The annual collection is an opportunity for all of us to continue the work of Blessed Stanley...a financial sacrifice...will go a long way to impacting the lives of many."
