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.
Lent Message from the Director
As we continue our journey this Lent, let us be inspired to renew our hearts and to reach out in compassion. Through our actions, we can bring hope.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Lent is a season of hope — a time of renewal and conversion as we journey towards the Resurrection of Christ, the ultimate source of hope and the enduring sign of God’s love and forgiveness.
As a people blessed with the promise of eternal life, we too are called to become bearers of hope for others, especially the less fortunate.
In his recent exhortation, Pope Leo invites us to nurture a love for the poor — a love made real through concrete actions. Our Lord Jesus reminds us: “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” — Matthew 25:34–36
Caritas Penang, formerly known as the Penang Office for Human Development, continues its mission to build a civilization of love by serving with love. We work hand in hand with parishes across the Diocese of Penang, church ministries, Malaysian and international non-profit organizations, and government agencies to reach out to the voiceless and vulnerable among us.
Over the past five years, RM2,491,158 has been disbursed in the form of education grants, medical aid, disaster relief, assistance to charitable organizations, and support for the needy, migrants, refugees, and indigenous communities.
We remain deeply grateful to all the volunteers and parish communities, whose commitment and generosity have touched countless lives. Your witness of faith in action brings hope where it is needed most.
As we continue our journey this Lent, let us be inspired to renew our hearts and to reach out in compassion. Through our actions, we can bring hope. I invite you to join us in this shared mission of love and mercy.
Together let us have a meaningful Lenten season.
In Christ,
Rev. Fr. Joachim Robert
Director, Penang Diocesan Lenten Campaign
Caritas Penang comes under the jurisdiction of The Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang.
© 2022 Caritas – Diocese of Penang. All Right Reserved.