Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens marked the end of its 125th Anniversary celebrations with two significant events this month, bringing together community leaders, experts, and supporters to reflect on the ongoing challenges of poverty and the organization’s impactful work over the years.
The events were highlighted by the presence of His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, who participated in the festivities held on Nov. 16 and 17.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, Catholic Charities partnered with St. John’s University in Queens for the 12th Annual Poverty Conference. This year’s conference, titled Poverty: A Multidimensional Problem; Charity: A Multidimensional Solution, explored the complexities of poverty and examined collaborative efforts for charitable solutions. The morning session featured a keynote address from Sabina Alkire, D.Phil., Director of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, who discussed the importance and challenges of measuring poverty in today’s society.
Dr. Alkire emphasized, “Poverty is not a simple condition; it’s multifaceted. Understanding it fully requires us to look beyond just economic indicators and consider social and emotional factors that impact people’s lives.”
In the afternoon, Cardinal Pierre delivered a keynote address titled “To Walk with the Poor is to Walk with God.” The cardinal shared his reflections on the enduring importance of charity in addressing poverty and the vital role of faith in these efforts. “We are called to walk with those who suffer. To walk with the poor is to walk with God,” said Cardinal Pierre, urging those present to continue their commitment to alleviating poverty.
Catholic Charities leadership also provided insights on critical issues such as affordable housing, food insecurity, and mental health. The discussions focused on the need for ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities and create lasting solutions.
The following day, Sunday, November 17, Catholic Charities held a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Brooklyn, celebrating the agency’s anniversary while coinciding with the seventh World Day of the Poor. Cardinal Pierre, Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, and Rev. Msgr. Alfred P. LoPinto, President and CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, co-celebrated the Mass, which saw over 1,000 attendees.
Msgr. LoPinto expressed his gratitude for the attendees, stating, “We’re ecstatic over you being here with us today. Moving forward, our guiding question will always be ‘Why?’ Why do we do what we do? As Cardinal Christophe Pierre beautifully articulated, we do it because we are the hands of Jesus, operating out of the heart of Jesus.”
The Mass concluded with an impromptu musical performance by the Neocatechumenal Way Community, which added a special touch of fellowship and gratitude to the occasion.
As the anniversary celebrations come to a close, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens remains committed to addressing poverty and supporting the most vulnerable members of the community. The events served as a reminder of the agency’s enduring mission and the importance of community engagement in tackling the pervasive issues of poverty.
For more information about Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens and upcoming initiatives, visit ccbq.org.
