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.
Lenten message
Cardinal Sebastian Francis
Bishop of Penang
In this Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, let us, Pilgrims of Hope, embrace the thrill of Hope and always keep Hope alive, journeying together through the sacred season of Lent. Guided by the Archangel Gabriel, the Holy Spirit, and soon-to-be saint Blessed Carlo Acutis, this Divine Gift of Hope never gives up, does not despair and is always alive. In the same Jubilee spirit, we commit Caritas / Diocese of Penang to the Lent 2025 message of Hope and Conviction of things not seen: to Rediscover Hope, to Proclaim Hope and to Build Hope.
The theme for the Jubilee Year 2025 is Spes Non Confundit – Hope does not Disappoint (Romans 5:5) Our faith calls us to care for the community and promote social justice. The social mission encompasses integral human development, charity, care for creation, relief and social services. This mission is all about making and keeping Hope alive. Begin this Lent with CONVERSION. Conversion is simply to repent and believe in the Gospel. How do we do it? John the Baptist says that whoever has two tunics should share with those who have none and whoever has food should do the same.
As Caritas members, you are missionary disciples of Joy, Mercy and Hope. Always embody this image. This requires total immersion of oneself, encompassing body, soul and spirit. Make a pilgrimage from the HEAD (thoughts) through the ears (messages) and eyes (visuals) and move to the HEART, pondering like Mary. From the heart, continue the pilgrimage of mission to your HANDS and FEET putting faith in action.
For the young pilgrims of Hope, Pope Francis, the soon-to-be saint Blessed Carlo Acutis, and I, offer you Caritas / Diocese of Penang as a chance to put your faith into action. Volunteer with a social mission group, enlist in an outreach program, care for creation by promoting the 3(R) principles of reducing, recycling and reusing. Become a pilgrim of hope by compassionately reaching out to the homeless, poor, elderly, sick, migrants and refugees.
"Volunteer with a social mission group, enlist in an outreach program, care for creation by promoting the 3(R) principles of reducing, recycling and reusing."
During this season of Lent, let us continue our Pilgrimage of Hope, united in faith through prayers, fasting and almsgiving. As we journey together, let our prayers seek guidance, offer gratitude, and intercede for those in need. May our fasting become a source of spiritual growth, connecting us with those who face hardships. Through our acts of almsgiving, charity and kindness, let us illuminate the path for those who struggle, bringing hope and joy to their lives.
We, Pope Francis, soon-to-be saint Blessed Carlo Acutis and I, send forth Caritas members, volunteers, children, young and elderly, healthy and sick, prisoners, saints and sinners, apostles and disciples, to embark on this holy Pilgrimage of Hope. Let us also embrace the sacred season of Lent, with the Trinitarian blessings of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
MARANATHA!
In Christ,
CARDINAL SEBASTIAN FRANCIS, DD
Bishop of Penang
Rev Fr Joachim Robert, Chairman of Caritas Penang
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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