CNEWA

CNEWA Marks 90 Years of Service

It was 90 years ago today that what we now know as Catholic Near East Welfare Association was born.

It was 90 years ago today — 11 March 1926 —that what we now know as Catholic Near East Welfare Association was born:

Some background:

On 11 March 1926, Pope Pius XI decided to unite permanently into one organization and under one administration all the American Catholic associations working for assistance to Russia and other areas of the Near East and in general working for the same goals as the Sacred Congregation for the Oriental Church and the Pontifical Commission for Russia. This new pontifical organization was to be called the “Catholic Near East Welfare Association” (CNEWA). It was placed under the immediate direction of the archbishop of New York, and he was invited to form a governing body selected from the American hierarchy. The funds raised by the new association were to be placed directly at the disposition of the Holy Father, who would disburse them in response to the requests for assistance coming to him from all over the world or recommended to him by CNEWA itself.

It has been a remarkable 90 years, and a time worth remembering with humble gratitude and joy. Over the next several months, in our magazine and here on the blog, we’ll be taking note of this milestone in a variety of ways. Beginning today, we launch a special series, “90 Years / 90 Heroes,” saluting just a few of the ordinary people who have done extraordinary work on behalf of CNEWA — and, as a result, on behalf of the poor and suffering throughout our world. During this Year of Mercy, we feel especially privileged to have been messengers of mercy to the poor, the hungry, the persecuted and the marginalized. And we owe a profound debt of gratitude to countless donors and benefactors who have helped us carry out our mission.

Two years ago, our president Msgr. John E. Kozar articulated that mission eloquently in this video below. Embarking on our 10th decade of service on behalf of the Holy Father, we are forever thankful to those who have joined us on this journey. As our mission statement declares: “Together, we build up the church, affirm human dignity, alleviate poverty, encourage dialogue — and inspire hope.”

A blessed and happy anniversary to all who are part of our CNEWA family — and be assured of our continued prayers!

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