ABCD: Time for real sacrifice
Monday, January 26, 2009
*John C. Favalora
My dear friends,
Once again I call upon your generosity as we conduct our ABCD appeal for 2009.
This appeal is coming at a time when many in south Florida are feeling the
effects of an economic downturn. Yet, I do not hesitate to bring to your
attention the various needs of so many who are served by the church of Miami.
In these difficult times, when finances are a challenge, it gives us all the
more an opportunity to make a real sacrifice, one that calls upon us to do
without to help others who have far less than we have.
We, who lived during an immediately after our Great Depression, will remember
that some of our country�s greatest Catholic institutions were begun, built and
flourishes as a result of the pennies and nickels sacrificed by so many generous
donors. During that time, the church opened numerous new schools, hospitals,
orphanages and churches. The church always seems to prosper in times of
challenge.
Seeing the generosity displayed in the past few months on behalf of those
ravished by recent storms in the Caribbean, I am convinced that the same
generosity will enable us to carry on the great works of charity served by the
ArchBishop�s Charities and Development drive.
Fifty years ago, when Archbishop (Coleman) Carroll initiated this drive, he was
convinced that we must all put the Kingdom of God first. By making a sacrificial
gift to the ABCD, we put the love Jesus showed for the poor and needy ahead of
our own personal concerns. As we have just completed our golden jubilee, I also
believe that God will provide whatever we need to continue our response to our
needy brothers and sisters whose numbers in south Florida increase daily.
Only you can make that possible. Please accept my grateful thanks if you have
been a donor to the ABCD in the past. If you are considering a first-time gift,
I urge you to give serious consideration to what you can do to assist the work
of the church in the Archdiocese of Miami.
There is no greater feeling of satisfaction than when we open our hearts
generously to serve one another. It should be our goal as Catholics to make that
generosity of spirit a daily experience. I know that I can count on you as I
invite you to take on this charitable responsibility.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your loved ones abundantly.
Most Reverend John C. Favalora
Archbishop of Miami
