Bishop Luis Zarama was recently elected to serve a three-year term on the board of directors of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.
“Like many others throughout the world, the faithful in North Carolina especially understand the devastating impact of natural disasters,” said Bishop Luis. “I am honored to serve in this way and to more fully reflect to others the goodness of God and also help give His strength to those who are suffering and burdened throughout the world.”
The agency alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. In 2020, the U.S. Bishops’ Executive Committee issued a statement regarding their support of CRS: Catholic Relief Services Delivers the Hope of Christ to Where Human Suffering is Worst.
Each year, dioceses across the U.S. hold a Catholic Relief Services collection. This year’s national collection is March 13-14.