The collaboration of Cross Catholic Outreach with bishops in the developing world and the missionaries who work under their guidance continues to receive support from Catholic leaders in the U.S. Most recently, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle, Bishop Michael W. Fisher of Buffalo, and Bishop James R. Golka of Colorado Springs gave their endorsements.

In his endorsement letter, Archbishop Emeritus Kurtz wrote, “In today’s fast-paced world, the cries of the poor often go unheard. … The work of Cross Catholic Outreach to illuminate the sufferings of the poorest of the poor and stir the hearts of the faithful is exemplary, and your collaboration with the universal Church was duly noted in 2015 when Pontifical Council Cor Unum approved your status and granted the ministry an official international Catholic charity.”

Archbishop Etienne wrote, “It was enlightening to hear firsthand about the transformative work being accomplished by Catholic missionaries you support throughout the world. … I encourage you to continue the hard work of providing the poor with nutritious food, clean water, safe housing and medical care because, in doing so, you are manifesting the mercy of God to our neighbors in need.”

Cross Catholic has great support in the northeastern U.S. We have now received endorsements from seven of the eight Catholic bishops in the State of New York. The most recent endorsement from that state comes from Bishop Fisher, who said, “Cross Catholic’s efforts to provide feeding programs, medical supplies, medicines and clean water, as well as [its efforts to] assist spiritual development, are in the true spirit of integral human development spoken about by our Holy Father Pope Francis and many of his recent predecessors.”

Bishop Golka wrote, “The 20-year mission of the ministry to support Catholic missionaries on the frontlines in the fight against poverty is a blessing to the world. … The model of Cross Catholic Outreach to embrace the whole person in the spirit of integral human development is a witness to the world that, in addition to the great material needs of food, water and other physical needs, the Church must address the problem of poverty in a way that includes spiritual development. … I’m pleased to endorse this vital work, and let us keep each other in prayer.”