This was the first time that the Hungarian speaking communities were thus represented and proved to be an ideal opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the further implementation of the Catholic Social Ministry within a multi-cultural setting. Fr. Barnabás is currently serving as the delegate of the Hungarian Conference of Catholic Bishops in matters pertaining to the Hungarian speaking communities in the United States and Canada as well as pastor of Holy Cross Hungarian Church in Detroit, Michigan. He is a member of the OFM Province of St. Stephen the King.

The 2009 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering was co-sponsored by five offices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and more than a dozen other national Catholic organizations. In his welcoming address to the participants, Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington stated that “this is a significant time for a very important work: to defend human life and dignity, to advocate for the poor and vulnerable and to strengthen and deepen the Church’s essential social mission. The Archbishop further stated “your gathering is a testimony to what our Holy Father called the courage to engage civic life and to bring one’s deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate.”

Cynthia Morris-Colbert, the convener of the Gathering, also welcomed the participants on behalf of the 18 Catholic sponsor organizations and highlighted the theme, “Christ Our Hope: Healing a Broken World,” echoing the message of Pope Benedict’s pastoral visit to our nation last year. The Gathering brought together Catholic leaders from across the nation to pray and learn, to advocate and strategize, to share and support one another at this important time of transition in Washington and our nation. The convener hoped that all would find their time together prayerful, educational and energizing. She said, “each of us has knowledge and experience to share and a desire to learn more about issues, build bridges, strengthen skills, and express our solidarity in defense of life and in the pursuit of justice and peace in a world that needs more of both.”

The Presider and Homilist of the Opening Mass was Francis Cardinal George, OMI, the Archbishop of Chicago and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, opened the plenary session. He offered ecclesial and pastoral reflections on the place of Catholic social teaching in the life and ministry of the Church in the United States and the Universal Church.

Fr. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA addressed the participants about the organization’s centennial anniversary and provided the opportunity to showcase the work that Catholic Charities has done to respect the dignity of all people and to advocate that the broader community live a life of justice and social concern. It was an important moment to reflect upon teaching the immorality of poverty, advocating for economic justice and sharing the contributions to social welfare in addition to raising the media profile and garnering resources to further the work of Catholic Charities for the next 100 years.

Mr. John Carr, the Executive Director of the USCCB Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development offered timely reflections on political and ecclesial trends, outlining the challenges as we continue to make a social mission central to the life of the Church and to make our case for human life and dignity to the new US Administration and the new Congress.

Archbishop John Baptist Odama, the Archbishop of Gulu in Uganda who is known for his courageous leadership in the face of poverty and violence in the north of his country, explored the role of the Church in Africa in promoting reconciliation, justice and peace. He pointed out ways that the United States can act to support justice and peace and to express solidarity with the Church in Africa.

Many international issues were also presented at the Hill Briefings including the Increase and Reform of Foreign Aid; Freedom to Travel to Cuba; Health Care Reform and Climate Change. These presentations culminated in a Capitol Hill Reception co-sponsored by the USCCB Justice, Peace and Human Development Section and Catholic Relief Services. The reception offered an opportunity for participants to report on Congressional visits, share stories and hear from Congressional leaders from different parties and different houses who gave reflections on faith and public life.

From their perspectives of party and experience, Catholics who serve in the Congress also offered reflections on the agenda of human life and dignity. They outlined some of the challenges and choices our nation faces and shared how Catholic principles can help to shape the debate and lift up the moral and human dimensions of the key issues of justice, peace, life and dignity. Presenters included Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA); Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA-03).

BGK/Magyar Kurír