DEVOTION to faith, prayer and service

Transcription

1 th e p a p a l f o u nd a t i o n annual r epo r t 2017 DEVOTION to faith, prayer and service

2 TO THE STEWARDS OF SAINT PETER OF THE PAPAL FOUNDATION ONLY FAITH CAN EMBRACE THE MYSTERIOUS WAYS OF GOD S ALMIGHTY POWER. THIS FAITH GLORIES IN ITS WEAKNESSES IN ORDER TO DRAW TO ITSELF CHRIST S POWER. The Virgin Mary is the supreme model of this faith, for she believed that nothing will be impossible with God (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 273). Mary is the model of what our devotion to faith should be. Like us, Mary was a human being who had to be open to hear and accept God s Word and to grasp the mysterious ways in which God works. She did so with such consummate fidelity that she is forever the example of what we mean by devotion to faith true, profound devotion to God. Devotion to faith was clearly and strongly displayed 100 years ago, May 13, 1917, when three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto, experienced what Juan Diego and Bernadette Soubirous did before them. As they would later report on that day, and again each month until October 13, a lady radiant in the light of the sun appeared and spoke to them. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima in Portugal, we are challenged to a life of devotion to faith, prayer and service. As you read through this annual report, my hope is that you will find reflections of how, through the devotion of the Stewards of Saint Peter to the mission of The Papal Foundation to serve the Holy Father and the Roman Catholic Church the well-being of our sisters and brothers in Christ all over the world is positively impacted. With deep appreciation to each of you for your devotion as you continue to reflect the face of our Lord as we serve the Holy Father and the Church together, I am Faithfully in Christ, Archbishop of Washington Chairman, The Papal Foundation

3 Fix up this page.. needs more... One hundred years ago, the small village of Fatima emerged as a beacon of hope and light in the darkness of a world at war. There, on an unassuming rural hillside, Our Lady made six appearances to three small peasant children. Each time Mary called for a renewed commitment to faith, prayer, and service. As Catholics around the world mark the centennial of these incredible events, we are reminded that as people of God we are called to the same daily commitment of devotion in a contemporary world. The Papal Foundation joins in honoring Our Lady of Fatima through its continued work to nurture the spiritual lives of all people, build the Church, and support the charitable work of the Holy See around the world. 1

4 GRANTS THAT STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH AND CARE FOR ALL Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. FROM THE HAIL MARY Our Lady of Fatima appeared to small children in an isolated Portuguese community. Jesus was born into a humble carpenter s family living under the harsh rule of the Roman government. In God s kingdom all people, regardless of political, economic, or social standing, are beloved and worthy of care and respect. The Papal Foundation s grant program nurtures the physical and spiritual lives of people on every continent, in urban centers and tiny villages, and across all generations. We provided funds to build and renovate churches, seminaries, rectories, schools, convents, formation centers, hospitals and clinics. We aided in the delivery of medical equipment, supplies and treatment. We funded evangelization programs, international studies and programs in support of marriage and family, child protection, and many other programs. In 2017, in close collaboration with the Holy See, the Foundation awarded $10 million in grants and scholarships. The Secretary of State forwards a grant request list to the Foundation for consideration. Our Board of Trustees reviews the requests to determine which grants will be funded. A complete listing of awards for the year can be found on the Grants page of our website. 2

5 One component of our grants program helps a private family foundation distribute special assistance to care for the poor and needy. The Doing Small Things with Great Love Mission Fund was inspired by Mother Teresa s work. Since 2011 the fund has given over $12.8 million to projects of the Missionaries of Charity and other needs. One primary focus of the Mission Fund this past year has been addressing the critical need for health care in war-torn Syria through the Open Hospitals projects in Aleppo and Damascus. The Fund also provided support to Missionaries of Charity sisters working with the poorest of the poor in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban, South Africa. 3

6 ANSWERED PRAYERS AROUND THE WORLD Grants from The Papal Foundation touch lives on individual, family, community, and national levels. Here are a few examples of our impact. A NEW MODEL FOR SUB-SAHARAN HEALTHCARE ARRIVES IN GHANA In her [Mary], we see that humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong, who need not treat others poorly in order to feel important themselves. P O P E F R A N C I S, T O P I LG R I M S I N F AT I M A, M AY After only one year of operation, the HopeXchange Medical Centre in Ghana is setting the standard for patient care. A grant from The Papal Foundation supplied funds to purchase much needed equipment for operating rooms, laboratories, a diagnostic/imaging center, and other critical furnishings. Now the community has access to 24-hour services, community courses on chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, free medical outreach clinics in distant rural areas, and no-cost surgical services for the poor. DISASTER DOESN T LESSEN DEVOTION IN HAITI Hurricane Jeanne. Hurricane Ike. Hurricane Anna. Hurricane Matthew. The people of Haiti have faced years of devastating storms that threaten their homes and much of their way of life. The parish of St. Charles Borromeo and its Cathedral sit in the center of Gonaives, the second most populous city in Haiti, surrounded by poverty and relentless weather damage. In the midst of these challenges, faithful parishioners have been able to raise $50,000 towards construction of

7 a multipurpose hall and training center that will provide a safe and strong building for study, faith formation and literacy activities. A grant from The Papal Foundation helped the parish meet its goal to fund complete construction of the complex. MAKING THE FAMILY A UNIVERSAL PRIORITY Our salvation, as individuals and societies, is intimately connected with the health and well-being of the family, regardless of where we live. The John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family is a central hub of programming and research created by the Church to support this belief. A grant from The Papal Foundation funded educational and formation opportunities for lay people, religious, and clergy to grow in understanding and deepen our commitment to families around the world. Events were held at the Institute in Rome as well as in Africa, India, Korea, and South America. SHELTERING HOMELESS ORPHANS AND FAMILIES IN SLOVAKIA Dorka Crisis Centre opened the doors of its small facility in Presov, Slovakia, to meet the needs of families and children in crisis. The center has three levels of services that encourage clients to keep moving toward independent living. Families can stay for up to three years. With the help of a grant from The Papal Foundation, Dorka has been able to triple its outreach potential. Now, with renovated rooms, updated electricity, and improved insulation, up to 100 clients can begin their journey to physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal. A SAFE AND DRY PLACE FOR EDUCATION IN SOUTH INDIA When monsoon season comes to the Blue Mountain region of India, education suffers. Students at the St. Joseph High School had to contend with wet classrooms and no place to eat lunch or study away from cold storms. The school s 1,300 boys come from poverty-stricken families at the lowest end of India s caste system. A grant from The Papal Foundation provided funds to replace damaged roofs, build a lunchroom, and make other important repairs. Now students come to school early and stay late. The school also can open its doors to the community for interfaith dialogue sessions that build understanding and 5

8 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE FORMATION OF FUTURE SPIRITUAL LEADERS The Rosary is a prayer both so humble and simple and theologically rich in Biblical content. I beg you to pray it. ST. JOHN PAUL II Our Church is truly an international family experiencing vibrant growth in many distant dioceses. The need for formation and advanced studies among men and women who have already committed their lives to serve the Church is great. With a generous gift from John and Carol Saeman of Denver, Colorado, and matching money from the Foundation, we established the Saint John Paul II Scholarship Fund in We have provided over $9.6 million in scholarships to more than 1,100 candidates since then. This year the Fund provided $670,900 to 109 priests and sisters from China, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and 36 other countries. Saeman Scholars study at Pontifical Universities and Institutions in Rome with a commitment to return to their home dioceses upon completion of their studies. They will teach, serve communities, and provide formation to support the continued growth of the Church. Many would never have been able to complete this journey without the support of Saint John Paul II Scholarships. During the Foundation s annual pilgrimage to Rome we have an opportunity to meet our current Saeman Scholars face to face. The Board of Trustees and Stewards of Saint Peter welcome this opportunity to witness their devotion and hear about their dreams for service after studies are completed. 6

9 SR. DEVOTE PREPARES TO EDUCATE BURUNDI YOUTH There is a great shortage of teachers in many African countries, and Burundi is no exception. Sister Devote Nshimirimana has made the commitment to study for a Masters degree in Education at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome. Without the help given through my congregation, it would be very difficult for poor people to have a chance at education, she says. Her Saint John Paul II scholarship makes it possible for her to return to Burundi ready to teach children whose families cannot pay the tuition fees of public schools. Sr. Devote also will be able to train others who want to become teachers. The Superior General of her order writes, educating Sr. Devote Nshimirimana will be of immense benefit to the Church in Africa. FR. FRANCIS RETURNS TO SERVE MARIAN SHRINES IN INDIA There are five Marian shrines in the Tamil Nadu region of India, but until now not one priest from the area has been able to undertake a focused study of Mother Mary. As a Saeman Scholar, Fr. Francis Chinappan is now earning his doctorate at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Marianum in Rome. His thesis is a study of Mary's Motherhood in the context of Tamil culture and faith. Fr. Francis Chinappan will return to India when his studies are completed to fill a need that is, in the words of the Bishop of Kumbakonam, a specialization highly demanded in my diocese. FR. ANTONIO TEACHES THE DEFENSE OF LIFE TO SEMINARIANS IN BRAZIL When Fr. Antonio de Padua Andrade dos Santos goes back to Campos, RJ, Brazil, he will be prepared to teach at Saint John Maria Vianney Seminary. He is currently studying for a degree in moral theology as a Saeman scholar at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. Fr. Antonio will fill an important role in the spiritual and intellectual formation of seminarians. According to Bishop Fernando Areas-Rifan, an administrator at the seminary, Such formation is necessary for the pastoral challenges that this particular Church faces, especially in defense of life from conception until natural death. 7

10 STEWARDSHIP THAT GROWS OUT OF DEVOTION For 28 years The Papal Foundation has invited Catholic laity in America to join the Holy Father s international commitment to build God's kingdom and care for others. Through this unique opportunity, Stewards of Saint Peter offer their financial resources, time, and vision to fulfill the mission of the Foundation: to serve the Holy Father and the Roman Catholic Church. For many, the experience becomes an integral part of a life of faith, prayer, and service that they joyfully share with extended family and friends. This year we welcomed eight new Stewards of Saint Peter into The Papal Foundation. The Foundation offers Stewards and their families two annual face-to-face opportunities for spiritual renewal and relationship building. In December, we meet in Washington, DC, at the annual Winter Gathering to conduct Foundation business, celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine, and hear from leaders of the U.S. Catholic Church and representatives from the Holy See. In April, the Foundation s Trustees, Stewards, staff, and families travel to Rome to present to the Holy Father the Foundation s annual financial commitment. While the papal audience is always an inspirational highpoint, we also enjoy the trip as a time of reunion with each other and an opportunity to experience day-today life in the heart of our international Church. Each time we recite the rosary, in this holy place or anywhere else, the Gospel enters anew into the life of individuals, families, peoples and the entire world. POPE FRANCIS, TO PILGRIMS IN FATIMA, MAY

11 A GIFT TO GOD, AND A GIFT RETURNED When Dennis and Lynne Jilot from Reno, Nevada, made the decision to become Stewards of Saint Peter, they picked a specific start date September 28th, their wedding anniversary. It was a gift to each other in a sense, but also an expression of their profound gratitude to God for the life they have shared within the Church. The Jilot family has always been involved in local and national charitable work. Now, as part of the Foundation, the guidance of the Holy Father helps extend that care to an international level. The Steward experience has already given me a much more intimate relationship with our Church, Lynne reflects. In Rome we became part of a family from the Holy Father to the Bishops to the other Stewards. It s a wonderful fraternity of likeminded people, and affirms the passion and devotion we have for our Church. This isn t an experience you can replicate any other way. I believe it s God s way of thanking us! ANSWERING A CLEAR AND PERSISTENT CALL TO SERVICE Michael and Marian Shaughnessy from Gates Mills near Cleveland, Ohio, received their first invitation to learn about the work of The Papal Foundation from Michael s cousin. Then colleagues and friends issued invitations, too, and a visit with Foundation leadership followed soon after. I call it Divine Oversight, reflects Michael. This last year has confirmed for both of the Shaughnessys that things do happen for a reason. Marian and Michael have found that becoming Stewards of Saint Peter has widened their circle of faith and service. They have always been deeply involved in the Church on a diocesan level, and now they are experiencing how their Church answers needs throughout the world. They asked their two daughters, Anne and Kate, to join them for the 2017 pilgrimage to Rome. In a more and more secular society, says Michael, we want our daughters to see for themselves that an active relationship with the Church is the right choice. 9

12 BOARD OF TRUSTEES/MEMBERS A two-tiered Board of Trustees manages The Papal Foundation funds. American Cardinals who reside in the United States serve as ex-officio members of the Board. Archbishops, Bishops and elected laity from across the country serve as Trustees. MEMBERS Donald Cardinal Wuerl Chairman Archbishop of Washington Blase Cardinal Cupich Archbishop of Chicago Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archbishop of Galveston-Houston Timothy Cardinal Dolan Archbishop of New York Roger Cardinal Mahony Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles Adam Cardinal Maida Archbishop Emeritus of Detroit Theodore Cardinal McCarrick Archbishop Emeritus of Washington Sean Cardinal O Malley Archbishop of Boston Justin Cardinal Rigali Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia Joseph Cardinal Tobin Archbishop of Newark TRUSTEES Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila Archbishop of Denver Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond Archbishop of New Orleans Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez Archbishop of Los Angeles Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory Archbishop of Atlanta Most Reverend Michael J. Bransfield President Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston Most Reverend Edward J. Burns Bishop of Dallas Most Reverend David A. Zubik Bishop of Pittsburgh Timothy R. Busch Irvine, CA Frank J. Hanna Secretary Atlanta, GA Patricia Lynch Edwards, CO Eustace W. Mita Media, PA Wayne W. Murdy Treasurer Cherry Hills Village, CO James A. Nolen III Berwyn, PA Carol Saeman Denver, CO J. Eustace Wolfington Bryn Mawr, PA STAFF James V. Coffey, M.A. Vice President for Advancement Francis X. Connell Chief Financial Officer Jane A. Schnatz Office Manager/Program Support Ann Schnatz Administrative/Program Support

13 THE MISSION OF THE PAPAL FOUNDATION IS TO SERVE THE HOLY FATHER AND THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH We do this by gathering in a corporal and cooperative collaboration of laity, clergy and hierarchy within the Church, in witness to one another of our faith, and drawing strength from the witness of the Holy Father. We bring and contribute our faith, our energy and our financial resources, to serve those needs of the Church that are of particular significance to the Holy Father, always with a commitment to walk in union with the Holy Father and the Magisterium of the Church. the papal foundation 150 Monument Road, Suite 609, Bala Cynwyd, PA thepapalfoundation.org