Commentary
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Rome Mission with UJA-FED of NY
I was honored to spend Tuesday afternoon learning about the oldest Jewish community outside of Israel – the Roman Jewish community. As I walked through the Jewish Ghetto with the leadership of the UJA-FED of NY, I experienced both sadness and hope. Sadness of the tragic and sinful history of anti-semitism in which Catholics, shamefully, have played a significant part. Hope that as we come to recognize this past, we have set a new course for the future and continue to walk that course together. Over the next few days I will share more of this very important mission to Rome with, as Pope John Paul II, our elder brothers…
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NYC MARATHON CHARITY RUNNERS
I was inspired at lunch on Friday with Team Catholic Charities. The lunch was organized by one of Catholic Charities dedicated and generous Trustees. It was a chance to meet together and say thanks to the ten people who, in addition to running today, are raising $25,000 to help needy families of all religions assisted by Catholic Charities. Team Catholic Charities runners have come from near, Manhattan – the Pastor of the St. Peter’s parish next to the World Trade Center, and far, the Philippines – a doctor and her husband. I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the runners for running – but not inspired enough to even think about joining them next year. I was also impressed that they were willing to reach out to…