My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

In his recent encyclical "Deus Caritas Est" Pope Benedict tells us: "Today the means of mass communication have made our planet smaller, rapidly narrowing the distance between different peoples and cultures. This "togetherness" at times gives rise to misunderstandings and tensions, yet our ability to know almost instantly about the needs of others challenges us to share their situation and their difficulties. Despite the great advances made in science and technology, each day we see how much suffering there is in the world on account of different kinds of poverty, both material and spiritual. Our times call for a new readiness to assist our neighbours in need."

The mission of The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace is to support people in the Global South in pursuit of alternatives to unjust social, political and economic structures, and to educate and mobilize Canadians into action. Development and Peace, the official development organization of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, is inspired by the values of the gospel, particularly "the preferential option for the poor." It is funded through the annual Share Lent Campaign. In our diocese, this collection is taken all through the Lenten season, but especially during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday.

Last April I had the opportunity to attend the Development and Peace (Ontario) regional meeting which was hosted by our diocese. I was encouraged by the large number of delegates from across the province and in particular by the strong presence of youth. I reflect on this when reading the Holy Father's words in Deus Caritas Est "For young people, this widespread involvement constitutes a school of life which offers them a formation in solidarity and in readiness to offer others not simply material aid but their very selves."

The Diocesan Share Lent Collection raised $389,460.00 in 2005. Nationally, Development and Peace experienced a three percent shortfall last year. Many other charitable organizations faced the same problem. It has been explained that after the tremendous outpouring for the tsunami relief effort and other natural disasters, Canadians suffered "donor fatigue". When you think of it, this shortfall is equivalent to having the poor in other countries pay for the tsunami and other relief programs. I would urge then, that we try to make up for this in the 2006 campaign by being even more generous than you were last year.

Fraternally yours in Christ,

+Jean-Louis Plouffe
Bishop of Sault Ste-Marie

Printable version