October 19, 2009

Contact:  Roger Conner
(703) 236-6218

Rev. Larry Snyder Participates in White House Delegation to Belgium

On Sunday, October 18, 2009, Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA, participated in the official White House delegation to Brussels, Belgium, for the national celebration of the canonization of Fr. Damien de Veuster. Father Damien de Veuster is Hawaii's first Saint.

Congressman Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii; Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, Hawaii; and Joshua DuBois, director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships joined Fr. Snyder. View photos at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42254258@N05/4025916616/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42254258@N05/4025912518/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42254258@N05/4025782194/in/set-72157622492636579/

Read ABC News story at:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/10/president-obama-sends-delegation-to-honor-newly-canonized-saint-damien.html

 -30-

Catholic Charities USA’s members—more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide—provide help and create hope for nearly 8.5 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary.