Clergy and lawmakers gathered April 24 on Capitol Hill to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the humanitarian aid organization Catholic Relief Services.
“For 75 years, CRS and thousands of leaders, staff and volunteers have saved and enhanced the lives of the weakest, most vulnerable in over 100 countries,” Congressman Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said, praising the organization for the life-saving work it has done for decades.
“Whether it be programs for health, agriculture, water, sanitation, emergency response, microfinancing or justice, CRS is on the spot taking compassion beyond mere words to effective action,” said Smith, a Hamilton native. “In my time in Congress, having traveled to countries stricken by conflict and natural disasters, I have seen firsthand the work CRS does in refugee camps serving others in a vulnerable state.”
Joining local archbishops and clergy was Bishop Gregory Mansour, chairman of Catholic Relief Services.
Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to help war-torn Europe rebuild and recover and to assist refugees from the conflict. Since then, it has expanded its mission, reaching more than 130 million poor and vulnerable people across the globe. In 2017, it reached 12.4 million people in 52 countries with disaster relief.
“CRS has always radiated the love of Christ in a tangible way, fulfilling 24/7 Our Lord’s admonishment in Matthew 25 to care for the least of these,” Smith said.
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