Ann and Joe Brennan were blessed to be received by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, concerning their service for Cor Unum in collaboration with Cross International Catholic Outreach. As the Holy Father greeted Ann and Joe, Ann humbly said, "Holy Father, we love you and pray for you each and every day." Pope Benedict smiled and looked directly into Ann's eyes and said, "Ann, please repeat those warm words to me again." Ann immediately responded.
     The Pontiff then turned to Joe, who bowed and kissed the Pope's ring containing a relic of Saint Peter. Joe quietly said, "Your Holiness, my wife, Ann, our family, and I do remember you in prayer each day. Ann and I were blessed to form this collaboration between Cor Unum and Cross International Catholic Outreach. We respectfully submit this documentation to you, Holy Father. Ann and I request your blessing for our American contributors who share one heart for the poorest of the poor through their spirituality, acts of kindness, and financial assistance for your mission at Cor Unum." The Holy Father smiled, blessed the work of Ann and Joe, and conveyed his personal appreciation for God's use of their lives to help the suffering poor throughout the world.