Catholic Fire

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Charities USA called on the Senate to tackle economic inequality and raise the minimum wage on the 50th anniversary of the "war on poverty, " an initiative introduced by former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, have written an open letter calling on the US Senate to advance policies that promote decent work and just wages. Archbishop Wenski and Fr. Snyder say that the current federal minimum wage does not provide sufficient resources for individuals to form and support families, and conclude that the current wage does not meet the standards for just compensation set out in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Below, please find the full text of the letter: *************************************** United States Senate Washington, D...

In today's society greater attention is given to a company's financial statements than the dignity of work. This was the focus of Pope Francis' homily Wednesday morning celebrated with children and single mothers who are guests at the "Il Ponte" center for solidarity based in the port town of Civitavecchia north of Rome. Marking the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the Pope pointed out that "those who work have dignity, a special dignity, a personal dignity". He also spoke of those many who want to work but often cannot find employment". He described the unjust nature of a society that puts profit above the person, where many fail to find a job and are forced to work like slaves.