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February 26, 2009February 22, 2009Dear friends in the Lord:Last April, as the Archdiocese of New York concluded its Bicentennial Anniversary, we were honored to have the 2343rd Successor of Saint Peter, Pope Benedict XVI, with us for three days of prayer and conversation.It is during Papal Visits such as ours that the Holy Father comes to know more personally the world and he has been called to serve as Vicar of Christ. In doing so, the Holy Father receives countless appeals for assistance from our less fortunate brothers and sisters who are facing a variety of hardships, especially during these economically challenging times.To respond to these requests, the Holy Father turns to us for support and one of the ways we do so is through the annual Peter’s Pence Collection, which is to be taken up at next weekend’s Sunday Masses (February 21st and 22nd). Permit me, therefore, to encourage you to make a truly sacrificial gift to this year’s collection. You will be cooperating with the Holy Father in accomplishing the work of the Lord.With gratitude and prayerful best wishes, may I remain,Very truly yours in ChristEdward Cardinal EganArchbishop of New York