| With the heartfelt cry… I believe…I give! the 2008 Share Lent campaign from Development and Peace reminds all Canadian Catholics of their commitment to social justice and international solidarity. The Lenten fundraising campaign period culminates this year on Sunday March 9, when Catholics are specifically asked to contribute towards achieving the organization’s 2008 fundraising campaign goal of $10 million.
Once a year, on this day, which is collectively known as Solidarity Sunday, a special homily is given and a cross-Canada collection is held in most Catholic churches in Canada. The money raised goes directly to supporting development and emergency aid projects in the Global South and towards educating Canadians about the root causes of poverty and in mobilizing social action for change.
"Supporting the poor is basic to Catholic social teaching," said Archbishop V. James Weisgerber of Winnipeg, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). "The fundamental principles for this are human dignity and solidarity. It is well summed up in what we today call 'the preferential option for the poor.'
"In effect, Solidarity Sunday reminds Catholics of these basic principles. We celebrate all this in a Canada-wide community effort, the Share Lent campaign and the Solidarity Sunday collection. It is an important opportunity for Catholics to be more aware and to discuss the ethical and moral issues involved in Canadian social, economic, political and cultural practices," he continued.
Since its establishment in 1967 by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Development and Peace has contributed over $515 million to more than 15,000 projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, assisted by the ongoing commitment and support of its generous donors and members.
"As people of faith and conviction, we are asked to live our values of justice and solidarity through prayer, action and almsgiving," said Hélène Trépanier, President, National Council, Development and Peace, "In essence, our message is… I believe and so I give. Solidarity Sunday is the call to action and the natural culmination of all the work of awareness building that is done by our members before, during and after the Lenten period of reflection, just prior to the joy of the Easter celebration."
Development and Peace helps people of all faiths by providing development assistance and building awareness of social justice. It works in partnership with well-established local community groups in 33 countries to set-up and oversee short, medium and long term sustainable development programs that enable communities to become responsible for their own development. This includes peace-building projects as well as help in rebuilding communities after natural disasters and armed conflicts.
Donations can be made to the Development and Peace Share Lent 2008 campaign by phoning the toll free number 1-888-234-8533, by mail, or online by visiting our Web site at www.devp.org
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For over 40 years, Development and Peace has worked directly with organizations made up of or representing the poor and marginalized in the Global South, and provided over $515 million to more than 15,000 projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are presently active with 200 partners in 33 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. In Canada, we are a democratic movement for international solidarity - educating the public about the root causes of poverty and mobilizing social action for change - with 13,000 members from coast to coast. Development and Peace is the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada.
The CCCB enables the Bishops of Canada to collaborate in various pastoral responsibilities while respecting the autonomy of each Bishop in the service of his diocesan Church. Through the active participation of its members, the CCCB undertakes projects and activities at the national and international levels, and provides a forum for the Bishops to exchange views on their ministry, on the life of the Church, and on the major issues of the day.
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