Share Lent – Second Collection
A Message from Archbishop Smith
Next Sunday, March 22nd, we mark the Fifth Sunday of Lent – Solidarity Sunday – when our international development organization, Development & Peace – Caritas Canada, invites us to live out the Lenten practice of almsgiving by contributing to the Share Lent campaign.
The Lord Jesus Christ taught us, “As long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it for me” (Mt 25:40). This year’s Share Lent theme, “On Track for Justice”, invites us to align our Lenten sacrifices with this Gospel imperative, fostering solidarity that transforms lives and societies in the spirit of the Church’s social teaching. Pope Leo XIV says: “Justice becomes concrete when it reaches out to others, when each person is given their due, until equality in dignity and opportunity among human beings is achieved.”
Even in these uncertain times, our faith urges us to respond with hope and generosity. Last year you helped Development & Peace raise over $19 million to support 59 life‑changing projects in 34 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. I encourage each of you once again to give as you are able in next weekend’s Share Lent collection, so as to journey with our suffering sisters and brothers in the Global South, advancing peace as the fruit of justice.
With gratitude for your steadfast care for the poor, I assure you of my prayers for you and your families as we approach the joy of Easter.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
✠ Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Vancouver