Caritas Diocese of Penang collaborated with participating parishes from the Diocese of Penang, organizations and individuals for a month-long Lenten project to supply hygiene items to migrants and refugees. The supportive response in cash and kind demonstrated that the church is in solidarity with migrants and refugees to uphold their dignity and protect their rights.
The hygiene items in particular toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, laundry washing powders and diapers were packed and transported to Klinik Mewah 6, MSF and supplied to migrants and refugees at the detention centers.
Pope Francis reminds us that ‘welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating migrants and refugees’ are essential to the Christian faith. The Biblical imperative to honor the dignity of all persons and protect their rights, whatever their status including newcomers is also at the core of our Catholic mission.
‘You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.’ (Leviticus 19:34)
Safeguarding is foundational to all Caritas’ work. This formation will equip you to identify different forms of abuse and exploitation, and teach practical steps to protect the people we serve and prevent them from further harm.
Parishioners across the Diocese of Penang rolled up their sleeves to aid those in need during the season of Lent. We are grateful for their efforts to give others hope through their actions!
Caritas Penang operates under the jurisdiction of The Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang.
