Archbishop Christian Lépine encourages all parishes, missions and faithful of the diocese to participate in the Development and Peace – Caritas Canada Share Lent campaign.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“This Lent, I invite you to give from the heart, for our common home,” to help foster integral humanism, which is founded on the needs of the common good, the good of the human being from conception to natural death, and the “good of every man and of the whole man” (cf. Saint Paul VI).

On the occasion of this year’s Share Lent Campaign, Development and Peace—Caritas Canada invites us to reaffirm our commitment to our brothers and sisters living in poverty and draws our attention to the Amazon region. This invitation from the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace is a response to the concerns of many, particularly among young people and Pope Francis.

Pope Francis describes the Amazon as “beloved” in the Apostolic Exhortation Querida Amazonia which he published on February 2, 2020. Marvelling at “its splendour” and moved by “its drama”, he calls us to “hear the cry of the poor” (cf. nos. 1 and 8). Quoting Saint John Paul II, he reminds us that “the challenge is to ensure a globalization in solidarity, a globalization without marginalization” (no. 17). He challenges us “at least today to be authentically human” (no. 17).

In 2019, two-thirds of the parishes and missions of the diocese participated in the campaign in response to the appeal made by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for Development and Peace. From the bottom of my heart, I thank every team and individuals who have helped, and continue to help, make this annual fundraiser possible, and who contribute to it. I thank the religious communities, shrines and all those who have sent their donations directly to the organization.

Let us give people the opportunity to get to know Development and Peace and to contribute to it. This Lent, let us give with a big heart. Communities in the Amazon and in the countries of the Global South will be better supported by the promotion of all “its inhabitants, enabling them to enjoy ‘good living’” (no. 8).
Thank you for your commitment!

May Jesus Christ guide us in solidarity of the heart.

+Christian Lépine
Archbishop of Montreal

PS: To participate more fully, details and resource materials may be found here: https://www.devp.org/en. To order: 514 257-8710, ext. 376.