I was most pleased to learn that the Children of the Father Foundation is celebrating its Tenth Anniversary. As the Papal Nuncio and personal representative of the Pope Benedict XVI, I wish to congratulate all those affiliated with this fine organization and I assure them of the Holy Father's appreciation for their good efforts.

On more than a few occasions the Pontiff has encouraged the Faithful to participate in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Speaking to the members of the Italian Voluntary Service Organizations, the Holy Father offered these poignant words: The variety of your input, besides being a response to the emerging needs of society, is a sign of zeal, of a "creativity" in charity that stems from a beating heart whose "motor" is love for humankind in difficulty. This is exactly why you merit appreciation: with your presence and action you contribute to the spreading of the Gospel of God's love for all people... In a word, at the Last Judgement God will ask us if we have loved, not in an abstract way, but concretely, with deeds (cf. Mt 25: 31-46). [10 February 2007]

Undoubtedly, the members of the Children of the Father Foundation have been a source of grace for countless others in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. With great joy, I am pleased to Impart the Apostolic Blessing of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI upon the members of the Children of the Father Foundation, on the occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of its establishment.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi
Apostolic Nuncio
October 13, 2007

I extend my congratulations and prayerful best wishes to you and the members of the Children of the Father Foundation on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of your foundation.

I commend you for your efforts to assist the laity in realizing the dignity of their Baptism and the responsibility to participate in the mission of the Church which flows from this most important Sacrament. It is my hope that the many spiritual and corporal works of mercy which the members of the Foundation engage in will continue to build up the Body of Christ, the Church.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary, wounded for love of her Son, inspire you to ever greater fidelity to the will of the Father.

Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia
October 1, 2007

In this year of the Eucharist, our Holy Father has called upon us to draw our attention and meditation in a very special way to "the source and summit of the Christian life", the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

In this regard, I would like to recommend to you and the faithful of the Archdiocese a special devotion that can lead us to a deeper appreciation of our Lord in the Eucharist: consecration to God through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I know some of you have already embraced this particular renewal of our baptismal vows, especially the approach recommended by St. Louis de Montfort. This is the same consecration formula used by our Holy Father. Devotion to Mary's Immaculate Heart was one of the principal requests of Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Louis de Montfort offers a concrete way to accomplish it.

Let me suggest that you consider the offer made by the Children of the Father Foundation, a lay apostolate working within the Archdiocese for the last 8 years. The Foundation will make available a free book about the consecration to you and every person from your Parish that requests one. The Foundation only asks that you pray for the success of this effort in leading the faithful to a closer relationship with our Lord in the Eucharist.

Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia
March 1, 2005

I have been informed of the successful results of the Philadelphia Cool Challenge. The collaboration between the Children of the Father Foundation, the Stewards of Saint John Neumann, the Stewards Alliance, and the Herman Goldner Company, Inc., has resulted in more than 300 elderly in the Philadelphia area receiving air conditioning units to combat the summer heat. For many of these individuals, the assistance you have provided might well prove to be life-saving.

Your generous participation, as well as your continued support of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is greatly appreciated.

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua
August 14, 2003