Peter's Pence 2023

June 15, 2023

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On the weekend of June 25 our diocese will participate in the global Peter’s Pence Collection. This annual collection provides essential support for the Holy See’s activities and helps Pope Francis assist the victims of wars, oppression, and natural disaster around the world.

The collection has ancient roots that reach all the way back to New Testament times. The early Christians provided material support so that the apostles—those preaching the Gospel—could distribute to those in need (see Acts 4:34-35, 11:29). Today, the Peter’s Pence Collection is an opportunity for the Church around the world to stand in solidarity with victims of war, natural disaster, and oppression in their time of need.

For example, on August 14, 2021, a powerful earthquake struck within 100 miles of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. More than 2,000 people were killed, 12,000 were injured, and 300 were missing. Then widespread damage to houses and other structures was worsened by a tropical storm that hit the island shortly afterward. In responding to the urgent needs of the victims of these disasters, Pope Francis donated €200,000 through the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development to support immediate emergency relief efforts in the most affected dioceses in Haiti.

I invite you to join with our brothers and sisters in faith from around the globe to help our Holy Father in his charitable outreach. Thank you for considering how you can respond to the call to “be a sign of mercy” by your prayers, by your spreading the word about this good work, and by your financial support.

With every prayerful best wish, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Bishop of Worcester