Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Cast the Peace of Christ upon the World is the theme of the 2011 Peter’s Pence Collection for the Works of the Holy Father which will be taken up the weekend of June 25-26.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. (Jn 14:27)
In many places around the globe, the Church struggles to be a visible sign of Christ’s peace: in poor dioceses where many depend on the Church for social and pastoral support; in regions where Catholics are persecuted and must be helped discreetly; in nations overloaded with refugees or victims of war and natural disasters.
The Peter’s Pence Collection gives us the opportunity to extend a sign of peace to the body of Christ around the world. Our gifts to this annual collection help the Holy Father to support victims of disaster, war, and oppression and others most in need of assistance. Pope Benedict uses the Peter’s Pence Collection to strengthen dioceses, religious orders and struggling communities of faith when they need it most.
I ask you to give generously to this special collection for the charitable works of Pope Benedict XVI who depends on our support. Together let us ask the Lord to continue to bless our Holy Father and us, as well as those in need throughout the world. Be assured of my prayer-filled thanks for your ongoing generosity to help cast the peace of Christ upon the world.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Martin Amos
Bishop of Davenport
