Cardinal Dolan Leads Holy Thursday Food Distribution in the Bronx

BRONX, New York — Cardinal Timothy Dolan participated in a Catholic Charities food distribution event on Holy Thursday, emphasizing the importance of serving the community during the Lenten season.

The event, held at a local church, drew numerous volunteers and community members, all gathering to prepare food packages for families in need ahead of Easter weekend. Cardinal Dolan, who is the Archbishop of New York, helped distribute meals and spoke to attendees about the significance of giving during this holy time.

“This is a time for us to come together and support our brothers and sisters in need,” Cardinal Dolan said in an interview. “It’s about more than just food; it’s about sharing hope and love in our community.”

The food distribution aligns with the spirit of Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper and Jesus’ command to serve one another. Local volunteers prepared hundreds of meals, showcasing the effort this community puts into helping their neighbors during the Lenten season.

Good Friday, observed two days later, is a day of mourning for Christians around the world as they commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Scholar Rev. Dr. Brent Strawn articulated the contrast between Good Friday and the spirit of charity displayed on Holy Thursday.

“On Good Friday, we reflect on the sadness of loss, but today, we give back and reflect the love that was shown to us,” Strawn said. “This duality enriches our faith and our understanding of service.”

As the event concluded, families received not only food packages, but also information on local resources aimed at supporting their well-being year-round. Church leaders hope that the outreach during this holy week will spark continued community action beyond the Easter celebration.

This food distribution initiative is part of Catholic Charities’ broader mission to address food insecurity in New York, especially significant during the holiday season when many families struggle to make ends meet. Last year, volunteers distributed over 30,000 meals during the Easter period alone.

“Every meal represents a family, a story, and a community coming together,” Cardinal Dolan remarked. “What we witness here today is a testament to our commitment to each other as members of this city and our faith.”

Looking forward, Catholic Charities plans more events aimed at connecting volunteers with families in need, continuing the importance of service within the community.