Newswise — Thirty-one years ago, the Catholic Bishops of Appalachia gathered, February 1, 1975, on what was then Wheeling College to sign, "This Land is Home to Me," a pastoral letter that addressed the struggles, hopes and dreams of the Appalachian people.
"It is called one of the finest social documents to come forth from the American Catholic church. The letter continues to serve as a discussion point in the continued effort to address the socio-economic concerns faced by the residents of Appalachia," says Rev. Joseph R. Hacala, S.J., founder of the Appalachian Institute (and current president) at Wheeling Jesuit University, and one of the contributors document.
The letter activated an empowering social analysis, inspiring reflection and a hopeful vision for the future for the people of Appalachia. Fr. Hacala, a native of Charleston, is one of only three Jesuits in the world from West Virginia.
RSS