To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of FADICA-Catholic Philanthropy Network, Pope Leo XIV encourages the organization to continue its “worthy mission” of helping those most in need.
By Kielce Gussie
Pope Leo XIV sent a message to FADICA (Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities)-Catholic Philanthropy Network for the 50th anniversary of their founding.
The Pope expressed his gratitude for their generous support of a number of Vatican Dicasteries and Catholic initiatives in the United States and around the world.
In the message addressed to the President and CEO of FADICA, Alexia Kelley, Pope Leo highlighted that their gathering for the anniversary is during the season of Lent, “a time when, in addition to prayer and fasting, the Church invites all Catholics to practice works of mercy with greater fervor.”
Reminding the organization that Jesus taught us to discern how to help our neighbor, the Holy Father urged everyone to follow the example of the Good Samitaran.
He recalled how Pope Francis often noted how this parable revealed “God’s style of closeness, compassion, and tender love.”
Helping those in need who cannot repay us, Pope Leo highlighted, is when we become God’s instruments, “for ‘every act of love for one’s neighbor is in some way a reflection of divine charity’” (Dilexi te, 26).
With that in mind, FADICA’s work to support “programs that promote social justice, strengthen Catholic education, defend human dignity, and care for the most vulnerable are truly a manifestation of divine charity.”
The Pope expressed his hope that their work will inspire others to find Jesus in their service to their brothers and sisters in need.
Therefore, he encouraged FADICA to continue its “worthy mission” with the confidence that God will “not be outdone in generosity to those who serve the people most in need” (Dilexi te, 45).
Closing the message, the Holy Father entrusted the organization to the “loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” and he imparted his Apostolic Blessing on them “as a pledge of peace and joy in the Lord.”
FADICA is a network of foundations and donors who support Catholic activities and initiatives, joined together by their shared values.
