Commentary
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Faith, Dignity and Solidarity: Values at the Heart of Catholic Charities
At the 68th Annual Cardinal Christmas Luncheon that Catholic Charities and Our Ladies of Charity hosted this week, I had the opportunity to reflect on how this event that helps support the services we provide to those in need represents values that are at the heart of Catholic Charities. They include the Christian faith that motivates our work, the dignity of each individual regardless of religion and the solidarity that bridges differences for the sake of doing good.” Let me say a few words about each: Our Catholic Christian Faith: Unabashedly and explicitly we name this a Christmas luncheon celebrating the coming birth of our savior, Jesus Christ, We…
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My Trip to Bangladesh Continues to Resonate as We Approach Christmas
Last month, I was invited to visit garment factories in Dhaka, Bangladesh with a delegation of New Yorkers that included Tom DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller, and Stuart Appelbaum, the head of the RWDSU (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.) More than 1,100 workers’ lives were lost in the collapse of Rana Plaza nearly eight months ago, making it the deadliest disaster in the history of the garment industry. In a front-page story published just yesterday in The New York Times, reporter Jim Yardley wrote how “inside the single room he shares with his wife and young child, Hasan Mahmud Forkan does not sleep easily. Some nights he hears the screams of the garment workers he tried…
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Bangladesh Fact-Finding Trip to Garment Factories and Business, Labor and Governmental Leaders
I accepted an invitation to accompany the New York State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, and the head of the RWDSU (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union) Stuart Appelbaum to visit garment factories in Bangladesh to learn about the garment industry and in particular, working conditions. The reason is straight forward. The importance of work and the dignity of workers has always been a key element of our Catholic social vision. In today’s economy, goods purchased locally in the United States are made in factories around the globe. I’ve heard it said that our economy is “glocal.” We recall that about six months ago we mourned the tragic loss of the lives…
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More Than a Random Act of Kindness – A Deliberate Deed of Human Solidarity
I need examples of goodness and light to strengthen me. In my journeys I see too much darkness. I suspect you do too. Let me share one deliberate deed of human solidarity which I am blessed to know, and for which I give thanks this Thanksgiving 2013. I know a family – a talented professional hectic single mom, Denise, and her 10-year-old daughter, Tiffany. Through a lot of hard work by Denise, a little luck and circumstances they are pretty comfortable. They live in a very nice large house, too large – by their own admission. Tiffany is in private school with all the extracurricular accoutrements that have become de rigueur. …
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CARDINAL McCLOSKEY SERVICES SHOWCASES YOUTH TALENT
Talented young people of Cardinal McCloskey Services entertained their family, friends and supporters in White Plains on Sunday afternoon. Their performances were complimented by a pre-show display of paintings in a broad range of talent and styles. The young artists interpreted their painting to those attending the event. The young people who were part of the show and displays participated in the range of programs provided by Cardinal McCloskey Services. This event provides the opportunity for these young people to demonstrate their creativity and talent which many times is overshadowed by the difficulties they face.