Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley Statement:
"Due to the unprecedented needs brought about by the devastation of the attacks on Ukraine and the immigration of millions of victims fleeing the ravages of the war, I am authorizing a special collection to be taken up at all parishes on the weekend of March 19 and 20. The proceeds from the collection will be sent to Catholic Relief Services, the overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, and to the Vatican agency for outreach to the Churches in Eastern Europe.
Through news coverage of the war, we have witnessed the immediate human crisis needs, including those caused by the horrendous bombing of a maternity hospital. There will also be longer term needs, for rebuilding churches and hospitals, and other recovery and reconstruction programs.
The people of our Archdiocese have a long history of generosity in times of local, national, and international disasters and for assisting with relief of human suffering. Please join me in supporting the people of Ukraine through our prayers, our concern, and our contributions."