Share Lent 2025 – Second Collection

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

As is customary, next Sunday is Share Lent Sunday, when the Canadian faithful join together to support the international initiatives of Development & Peace – Caritas Canada, which addresses the root causes of poverty, oppression and inequality in the developing world. On April 6, I hope that you will give generously in support of this year’s Share Lent Appeal.

Lent is a favourable time to practise works of charity by sharing your blessings joyfully with others. Take advantage of this holy season to reach out to your brothers and sisters who lie wounded along the path of life (cf. Lk 10:25-37). Lent invites us to become more sensitive to the presence of the poor in our world and to seek them out. Mother Church combats all forms of poverty because she wants every person to live in the full dignity of a child of God. On Share Lent Sunday, you can respond to Jesus’ call to do good to all, especially those in developing countries who lack material and spiritual resources, and those discriminated against and marginalized. On your journey of conversion, make this Lent an occasion for self-denial that is truly sacrificial. As a way of celebrating this Jubilee Year, I urge everyone to ignite the light of hope by contemplating Jesus in the face of those in the Global South who are in need of your help.

This year’s Share Lent theme, “Turning Debt Into Hope,” is part of a global campaign sponsored by Caritas International, the Catholic Church’s global development arm. Please consider signing the Caritas petition calling on public, private and multilateral creditors, as well as political leaders, to act with courage and compassion. The petition is found at TurnDebtIntoHope.caritas.org.

As you prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, I hope you will respond to next Sunday’s Share Lent Appeal with a generous heart.

With gratitude for your timely support and my prayers for you and your families, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,