Cardinal Timothy Dolan was this Holy Thursday at the Church of Saint Joseph of the Holy Family to distribute food to hundreds of families in the community in Harlem, an event organized by Catholic Charities.
“When Jesus had food he fed his apostles, that’s when the church needs to feed its neighbors and that’s what we’re trying to do here today,” the cardinal said.
Cardenal Dolan.
From very early on, hundreds of residents of the area lined up to receive their groceries.
Neighbors like Micaela Rivera, who lately had not been able to come for health reasons.
“Yes, now the situation is very bad, everything is very expensive, we suffer from many things,” said Rivera.
After receiving fruits, vegetables, eggs, canned food, and even a chicken, Rivera left very happy and grateful.
“I believe in God a lot. Here in the church they help us a lot.”
Others also appreciated what they received.
In search of food.
“This helps you a lot, this little gift they give you, with this you save a few bucks,” said Micaela Rivera.
“I thank God very much for all the blessings that they give us, this is a great blessing that they give us even a purchase,” said Rosalba Aguanelo.
The Center distributed some 350 bags of food to those present, emphasizing that services are available to anyone who needs them, regardless of religious affiliation, immigration status or national origin.
“Food, shopping is very, very important and difficult because it is so expensive, ‘so’ today as the holiest time in our faith begins, we have to serve our neighbors,” said Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of NY.
This pantry center of the Church of San José is one of the oldest in the city and serves food to an average of 500 families twice a month.
