Benefits of Twinning

In Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis encourages us to live the Gospel more fully and deeply by reaching out to the poor and broken, building justice and peace in the world and finding joy in all of it.

Many Catholic parishes are experiencing the joy of the Gospel through twinning relationships. The words of Pope Francis resonate in the testimonials of those involved in twinnings.

“The Parish Twinning Program is a blessing from God.  It maintains communion, leads to sharing, provokes conversion and a change of heart, and it develops mutual understanding.  Through the sharing of human, spiritual and material resources, both twinned communities grow together in charity.” – Cardinal Chibly Langlois, Bishop of Les Cayes and president of Haiti’s Bishops’ Conference

“The Parish Twinning Program symbolizes for me the unity of the universal church.  The Program allows those involved to live the Gospel.  We appeal to people of good will to help us fly with our own wings.” Haitian Pastor Pere Joachim Anantua (deceased)

“For those parishes not yet twinned with another, I encourage you to consider the blessing you’re missing…a broadening of what it means to be part of a universal family.” – U.S. Bishop Emeritus William Higi

“We have made lasting friendships at our sister parish.  We know the people, spend time together, work together, care about and truly respect each other.  These relationships are enriching…they are the key to change.” – Gini Eckert, parishioner, St. Peter Catholic Church, DeLand, FL

“One of the greatest blessings of my life has been my involvement with St. Bertin, my twin parish in Haiti. My life was forever changed in 2001 when I arrived in Haiti on my first visit. Being with the poor people of St. Bertin, I felt God’s call to serve their needs. Little did I know how richly blessed I would be by sharing God’s love with them.” – Diane Huggins, parishioner, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Hendersonville, TN