On the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, Catholics worldwide donate to Peter’s Pence Collection. This effort is one of the longest-standing examples of financial donation in the Church—or the world. Since the late 8th century, bishops throughout Europe began to send regular annual tributes, known as Denarius Sancti Petri or “Alms to Saint Peter,” to the Pope. The practice began to include other Catholics in the middle of the 19th century. Contributions to Peter’s Pence still go to the Holy See and are used to help people in need throughout the year. To view Twitter-ready messages that show the work of Peter’s Pence or to make an online donation at any time during the year, visit the organization at peterspence.va.
Image credit: M.Migliorato/CPP/CIRIC