PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has kicked off its 49th annual Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl initiative, a nationwide Lenten program aimed at helping individuals put their faith into action through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The initiative will launch on Ash Wednesday, February 14, until Holy Saturday, March 30.
In a ceremony held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, the Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, blessed the cardboard Rice Bowl containers that represent the program.
“Rice Bowl is a beautiful program with far-reaching impacts on both our global and local brothers and sisters. Our sacrifices here in the Philadelphia Archdiocese forge real connections with others. In this year of Eucharistic Revival, we are reminded that when we receive Jesus, we are called to share His love with those in need,” said Ms. Anne H. Ayella, CRS Diocesan Director.
Last year, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s collection saw an increase of nearly 14%, raising over $426,000 through the Rice Bowl initiative. Around seventy-five percent of these funds, amounting to $320,000, went towards supporting CRS’ humanitarian response and development programs in nearly 100 countries. The remaining twenty-five percent, or $106,000, was allocated to the Nutritional Development Services (NDS), an agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, for hunger and poverty alleviation efforts in the Greater Philadelphia region.
During the launch, Ms. Lizanne Hagedorn, Executive Director of NDS, and Ms. Sarina DiBianca, Executive Director of Siloam Wellness, also addressed attendees. Siloam Wellness, a center serving people living with HIV/AIDS, operates an active food cupboard supported by NDS and benefits from Rice Bowl contributions. This illustrates how the initiative extends its reach to those in need both locally and globally.
“With rising food prices, food stamps no longer feed a family for a week. Thanks to Rice Bowl and Nutritional Development Services’ donations, the pantry gives us the ability to feed our families. The need has increased in the past year from 4,812 persons in 2022 to 5,882 persons in 2023,” said Ms. DiBianca.
The CRS Rice Bowl initiative aims to underscore the commitment of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to alleviate hunger and poverty at home and abroad. Its launch signals the start of Lent, a season of reflection, sacrifice, and giving for many in the Philadelphia community and beyond.
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