The Archdiocese of Boston says it expects that its special collections at local Catholic parishes will net Haiti relief efforts in excess of $2 million. In a statement issued today, Cardinal Seán O'Malley said that the church drive has already collected some $1.7 million— and expects that with 50 parishes still uncounted, that sum will exceed the $2 million mark. The money was raised through parishioner donations since the Jan. 12 earthquake and will be channeled to Catholic Relief Services' efforts on the ground in Haiti. O'Malley is scheduled to travel to Haiti himself next week.
"I am deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Our parishioners' generosity at a time when so many are experiencing economic hardship speaks to the depth of concern our Catholic family has for the people of Haiti," Cardinal O'Malley said in the statement.