On June 26, 2020, Fr. Ricardo Antonio Cortez Martínez, rector of the St. Óscar Arnulfo Romero seminary in Usulutan, El Salvador, sent a request to the Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America for financial aid for 42 seminarians in the philosophy stage of their formation. Less than two months later, on August 7, Fr. Ricardo was found assassinated. Tragically, three priests were slain from 2019 through August 2020 in El Salvador as drug cartels control the country and drug lords feel threatened by the Church’s call to peace and justice for all.  To answer the call to priestly or consecrated life is a courageous act of faith, especially in a time and place where priests face violence, as Fr. Ricardo did. The Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America recognizes the courage and openness of seminarians, such as those at the St. Óscar Arnulfo Romero seminary, by supporting their formation as they prepare for lives of dedicated service. Your support for the Collection for the Church in Latin America makes it possible for young men in El Salvador and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to answer that call.

Ever since missionary priests accompanied the Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century, the Catholic faith has spread throughout Latin America.  Many of the people are faith-filled but the needs in this region of the world are great and can often seem insurmountable.  Corrupt governments and dangerous drug cartels make it even more important that the gospel message is proclaimed and promoted throughout this region.  Your support for this important collection has made it possible for children, adolescents, adults and elders living throughout this region to deepen their faith and grow in the love of Christ.   We are called to share our faith with all, and this collection is a prophetic and bold way to do so

“The Collection for the Church in Latin America is a chance for Catholics in the Americas to share their faith and grow closer to Christ,” said Bishop Octavio Cisneros, chairman of the Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America of the USCCB. “I thank the faithful of the United States for their compassion and generosity to their sisters and brothers in Latin America and the Caribbean. I have seen first-hand the people in many countries who benefit from this generosity.”

The collection supports the work of the Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America by funding grants for pastoral efforts such as lay leadership training, seminarian and religious formation, prison ministry, and youth ministry, among others. In 2020, the collection awarded nearly $6.9 million in grants to support the Church in Latin America and Caribbean.

We will take up this collection for the Church in Latin America this weekend.  Please be generous in this collection, and take this opportunity to share your faith with so many families throughout Latin America.  Your continued support will truly make a difference in spreading the Gospel and, in the name of so many who hunger for it, I thank you.