Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will deliver the opening address of a one-day Conference on Addictions based on his recent book, Let the Oppressed Go Free: Breaking the Bonds of Addiction, the seventh in the Shepherd's Voice Series (Basilica Press) written by Bishops and Cardinals addressing important topics from the Catholic perspective.

The Conference will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton City Center Hotel, Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali will offer Opening Remarks at 8:30 a.m. There will be a Closing Mass celebrated by Cardinal Rigali at 4:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul.

The Conference will focus on the interplay between the sacred and the therapeutic dimensions of clinical pastoral care in addictions ministry with individuals and families. Issues of prevention, treatment and recovery will be addressed.

In the book's Introduction, Cardinal Rigali writes that "the contemporary culture so often casts persons to the sidelines, and in their pain they sometimes seek out ways of coping that do further harm to their human dignity. Pastoral experience tells us that persons of all backgrounds and ages can be affected by addiction. The Church always calls us to appreciate and renew our dedication to the inviolable dignity of the human person. This is especially true in the area of addiction."

Copies of the "Let the Oppressed Go Free: Breaking the Bonds of Addiction" can be ordered by calling Basilica Press at 1-888-570-5182.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747