CRS Rice Bowl: A Beacon of Hope and Compassion
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia, who chairs the board of Catholic Relief Services, has praised the CRS Rice Bowl initiative for offering transformative hope through its annual Lenten collection. This initiative, which combines prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, aims to support those facing the global challenges of hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. The Archbishop emphasized the profound significance of participating in Rice Bowl as a means of embodying Christ’s compassion by aiding those in dire need both domestically and internationally.
Decades of Impact and Global Outreach
For nearly 40 years, the iconic cardboard collection containers of Rice Bowl have been a familiar sight during Lent, collecting over $330 million to support initiatives combating hunger. In the previous year alone, the campaign raised more than $10 million, with 75% directed towards international programs in over 120 countries and 25% supporting hunger relief within the U.S. These funds have not only provided immediate relief but also supported sustainable development projects that address underlying causes of poverty and hunger.
Connecting Faith with Action
The CRS Rice Bowl campaign enriches the spiritual lives of participants by connecting them with the broader global community. This year’s focus includes personal stories and struggles from families in El Salvador, Indonesia, and Uganda, who are directly benefiting from CRS’s support. Through online resources like video interviews and culinary recipes, participants gain a deeper understanding of the impact of their contributions, bridging the gap between faith-based giving and real-world change. This initiative also aligns with the National Eucharistic Revival, emphasizing a deeper spiritual connection with Jesus through acts of charity and solidarity with the less fortunate.