Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Written by Sheila Dabu, The Catholic Register,
...In Windsor, Ont., Canada’s automotive capital, the recession has been magnified because the city has long depended upon the auto industry as its sole economic engine.
London Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Daniels, who oversees the southwestern part of the diocese which includes Windsor, said although the city is suffering its worst economic downturn, he has also heard of stories of “remarkable generosity.”
“Parishes understand that the need is real,” he said.
The church’s role at this time is to care for those who need help and to be a voice for the poor and those who are struggling, Daniels said, adding that all levels of government should consider tackling poverty as an economic strategy. At Windsor’s St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Fr. Tom Ashton said his desperate appeal for bread, milk, peanut butter and student bus passes at one Sunday Mass was sparked after hearing from many parishioners who had lost their jobs and were unable to pay their bills or buy food for their family.
A local reporter happened to be at Mass when Ashton delivered his homily in early December and asked parishioners to help fill the parish’s empty food bank and thinning resources. After a story was published in The Windsor Star, Ashton said the response was phenomenal. Up to $28,000 in cash and at least $10,000 worth of food was donated.
“I’ve never cried so many tears of joy and never said ‘Thank you’ so much in the last few days. It’s awesome,” Ashton said.
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