Development and Peace’s 2019 Share Lent campaign Share the Journey focuses on the plight of 68.5 million forced migrants in the world today. (Development and Peace – Caritas Canada YouTube image)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During the season of Lent, we are called to conversion. For 40 days and 40 nights, we walk together with Jesus, drawing closer to the Lord through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
The Development and Peace Share Lent campaign is an opportunity for us to live a rich Lenten experience by uniting ourselves in solidarity with the world’s most impoverished and oppressed people.
This year, the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace – Caritas Canada is adding its voice to those of Pope Francis and Caritas Internationalis by inviting Canadians to “Share the Journey” with the 68.5 million forced migrants in the world today. This initiative focuses on forced migration, increasing awareness and coming to the aid of the world’s tens of millions of displaced children, women, and men.
Launched in Rome in 2017, “Share the Journey” urges us to undergo a true interior transformation. In a world where fear and indifference about others confuses minds and stifles hearts, Pope Francis is inviting us to build a culture of encounter – a culture of mercy and compassion.
As we begin our journey to the celebration of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, let us take the time to “Share the Journey” with our sisters and brothers who have had to flee their homes. Let us pray for them. Let us walk together with them in solidarity, united in the conviction that we are one human family.
I invite you to use the Share Lent resources provided by Development and Peace, so that you can convey this message of love and compassion in your parish, school, and community. You can find them on our website rcav.org/share-lent.
Included are prayers and a Solidarity Calendar that will help guide your Lenten journey and prepare you for the Solidarity Sunday collection on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 7.
Your gift in solidarity is vital to the mission of Development and Peace and its ability to help, respect, and promote the poor. You can donate through your Share Lent envelope or online at devp.org/give. Please be generous in helping to meet the needs of the suffering worldwide, and thank you for supporting the world’s needy by sharing in their journey.
With cordial best wishes and my blessing, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ J. Michael
Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver