Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, spoke about the late Bishop Edwin Vincent O'Hara, founder of Catholic Rural Life (CRL), at the May 8 celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He called the founder “perhaps the most influential leader in Catholic agrarianism.”
Following Divine Mercy Sunday and Earth Day, “Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley asked guest Jim Ennis, executive director of Catholic Rural Life, for his thoughts on caring for creation as an act of mercy.
Catholic Rural Life, with headquarters at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, works with more than 80 dioceses across the country to promote Catholic life in rural America. Ennis said the organization focuses on food and agriculture issues, and rural ministry and outreach.
“What Florence does in her book beautifully is really speaks about the family culture in the home and how to promote tradition and the teachings of the Church in the home, bringing the saints alive by celebrating the saints’ feast days," said Jim Ennis, Catholic Rural Life executive director.
When Jim Ennis became executive director of Catholic Rural Life, his youngest child was a first grader. Today that boy is 18, and the father of five finds himself on the cusp of an empty nest.
The document “is really retrieving the idea of vocation for all those involved in agriculture,” said Jim Ennis, executive director of St. Paul-based Catholic Rural Life. “There’s a special, unique role that farmers, ranchers and all those involved in agricultural production and bringing food to our tables play in how important it is, and the Church affirms it.”
