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From the Office of Bishop Dewane
The Catholic Church in Africa
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Catholic Church in Africa continues to grow. While growth of the Church is good, it presents challenges for the young Dioceses to meet the extensive pastoral needs of their people. Material resources needed are clearly lacking, as well as the priests, religious brothers and sisters, necessary to reach families in secluded rural areas and regions that are affected by violence and economic instability.
Gifts to The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa are helping the Dioceses in the poorest countries to do amazing pastoral work. This Fund helps fulfill the mission of Christ by projects designed to be replicated through a “train the trainer” model of instruction, allowing new leaders to rise up and prepare to guide others as the Church launches new initiatives for pastoral outreach. For instance, with a grant received from The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, Marianist Sisters in the Central African Republic purchased bicycles, Bibles, and rosaries and trained lay volunteers so they could travel to isolated rural areas to organize catechesis, children summer camps and Bible study groups for women and youth groups.
The Collection for The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa is scheduled in the Diocese of Venice for the weekend of July 11 and 12, 2026. When you contribute to this collection, you become a partner in Faith to your brothers and sisters in Africa. Please be generous in your response to this important and necessary appeal. I take this opportunity to extend to you my continued consideration and my prayers!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Frank J. Dewane
Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Venice in Florida
