Development and Peace
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
As we approach the season of Lent, let’s remember that it’s a season of conversion – a time to strengthen our bond with Christ and pursue inner transformation through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, as the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada, provides a way to offer alms to those most in need through their annual Share Lent campaign.
In collaboration with its partners in the Global South, Development and Peace has selected “Create Hope” as the central theme for the next five years. This year’s specific theme, “Reaping our Rights,” echoes Pope Francis’ words in Laudate Deum: “Everything is connected” and “No one is saved alone.”
Consequently, we are asked to consider human rights, and environmental rights, ensuring their full respect not only within Canada but also across the world.
I invite you to consider giving generously on “Solidarity Sunday” March 17, the 5th Sunday of Lent. At that time, we will have a collection in support of Development and Peace’s “Share Lent” campaign in each parish. Contributions may also be made at www.devp.org, or by calling 800/494-1401.
During Lent, let us work to ‘Create Hope’ by generously supporting Development and Peace’s campaign this year “Reaping our Rights”: “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12).
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gerard Bergie, D.D.
Bishop of St. Catharines