What is Caritas
Caritas is the charitable arm of the Roman Catholic Church. It is to spearhead the church’s social mission, to respond to humanitarian crisis, promote integral human development and advocate on the causes of poverty and violence.
Awareness on care for creation
Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone. (John 8:1-11)
Reflection
Are we doing enough for Creation?
Everybody knows that something is happening to the earth, but I realise that we have to talk about it and not keep quiet because this is more than planting trees or vegetables. What the Pope has called for is conversion; nothing is going to change until we change our mindset. We are going to continue plunder and destroy the earth without feeling anything. All the external shows of planting are not going to work unless our hearts truly convert.
How do you see creation?
Creation is beautiful. I see it as a gift for humanity. Let it be any gift we have; we must take care and appreciate it. When we talk about creation, as far as humans are concerned about the way God has given, we are supposed to be stewards; we are not the owners. We are supposed to take care, protect, and be responsible for Creation.
What are the practices of the Sacred Heart of Jesus parishioners?
The parishioners have started small initiatives at the BEC level, on the parish side, I found some ways to make the surroundings green by planting trees, which have become homes for birds where they build their nests and lay eggs. I realized that in these little ways, we could open up to creation. We have a recycling center, and three weeks once the recyclable materials are sorted and sold off. We have reduced the use of electricity as well to create awareness on not to waste electricity. I emphasize to people on saving electricity and water through practicing it in church. Parishioners here are called to bring their plates and cups when there’s a fellowship to reduce waste of materials. Through practices like this, we are bringing awareness and advocating for creation. These practices may not be big steps, but through small steps we are doing something, that’s what matters.
Where are we lacking?
Commitment and understanding the importance of our role to care for creation.
Nature is giving us the air to breathe, so we are responsible for taking care of them. The earth is too hot; we must think about why and how it started. At least by doing whatever we can, we might contribute to the betterment of the climate. ~ Lingam, gardener
Pope Francis Prays
May the Lord, today, give us all the grace to rise from our sins, to come out of our tombs; with the voice of Jesus, calling us to go out, to go to Him.
LET'S CONTEMPLATE
“Destroying or exploiting God’s creation for bad purposes is not only a lousy thing to do, but it is also an offense against God who is the Creator,” Pope mentioned that it is a communal sin that we all are a part of it and that we can’t point at anyone. Just like how Jesus told the scribes and the Pharisees, “Who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone,” What is going to change by just pointing out the factors destroying the environment but not doing anything? In Laudate Deum, Pope did not deny the fact that the most effective solutions will not come from individual efforts alone but from a community, so we are to accompany this pilgrimage of reconciliation with the world that is our home and to help make it more beautiful because that commitment has to do with our personal dignity and highest values. Laudate Deum 69
Resources
Do you want to plan a social project in your church and bring impacts to the vulnerable communities? Download the Lenten kit.
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A small RM200 donation can help one month education fee for 2 students, one month food ration for a family of 4, one month insurance cover for 1 refugee.
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The Catholic church’s mission is to carry out and continue the work of Jesus Christ on earth. Therefore, we seek to work with communities, non-governmental organisations, and local authorities to promote an inclusive and sustainable development for all.
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Caritas Penang comes under the jurisdiction of The Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang.
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