“Whoever does not gather with me, scatters.” (Luke 11:23).
Looking back at the history of the Church, in the beginning, everyone did charity. Gradually, as we became more structured, we have sub-contracted to charity. Now, the spirit is moving us towards organising the whole Church for charity and having to embrace it wholeheartedly by setting aside individual hang-ups and agendas while working towards a specialised network.
The inter-diocesan collaboration, this coming together under one big umbrella will give us a stronger visible presence of the church in action in the marketplace.
The Bishops felt that Churches in Malaysia could benefit from capacity building, regional networking, professional expertise, and work in solidarity with other Caritas in helping the vulnerable communities here. Thus, in Nov 2020, Caritas Malaysia was officially launched, followed by the setting up of the Diocesan and Parish Caritas in different dioceses, including the Diocese of Penang.
Caritas Penang
CM
CBCM
POHD
CWS Malaya
Was launched on 31st August 2021 and was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Sebastian Francis D.D. at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang
The online launch of CM and its first National Assembly. Regional conversation with heads of Sabah, Sarawak, and Semenanjung.
Dialogues with Caritas officers from Vatican and Asia, and decides to renew its membership with the Caritas federation.
To provide opportunities for all people to participate in the care of the underprivileged, the marginalised, and the suffering.
Begins as the arm of the church in Malaya for welfare and charity in Kg. Simee, Perak
Wherever there is need in the world, there is a Caritas organisation to provide practical help, love and support.
Bishops unanimously decided to establish Caritas Malaysia as an overarching body for all organisations involved in charity and development work.
According to the Catholic Social Teaching principle of subsidiarity, the higher instance is to empower and enable the lower instance without taking over its role. Thus, Caritas Penang and parish-level Caritas are the first implementers of concrete action and service to the neediest.
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.
Caritas Penang comes under the jurisdiction of The Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang.
© 2022 Caritas – Diocese of Penang. All Right Reserved.
