Have you got the Project Compassion 2014
Lent calendar poster on your classroom wall?
Each day has a specific action that you can take
linked to the Project Compassion stories. In
this PowerPoint, you can delve into these
actions in greater detail.
Join us as we use the calendar to Learn, Act
and Pray for the people and communities
featured this year.
Tip- You could download and print the black and white Lent calendar poster to colour in
each day once you have completed the relevant Learn, Act and Pray sections.
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corresponding to today’s date.
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Project Compassion Sunday
2nd March
Welcome to Project Compassion 2014! Today is Project Compassion Sunday for the
church in Australia. Today we remember that Jesus tells us not to worry about ourselves
and our lives so much, so that we can have more energy to care for others. We know that
God loves each one of us, and that in his eyes, we are all equally and extremely special.
Project Compassion is a way of showing love to people around the world who do not
have the basic things in life, like food, water and shelter.
Project Compassion is run by Caritas Australia during the six weeks of Lent each year.
Thousands of Australians come together with the poorest people around the world, to
help end poverty. It is a wonderful time when people show their faith, love and
generosity to help create a just and peaceful world.
Project Compassion Sunday
2nd March
Watch this introductory video about Project Compassion 2014.
Lord God, during this time of Lent may we come to know Jesus more deeply and
to live in his truth. May we see all people through the eyes of God, recognizing
that all people have the right to live freely and peacefully. Amen.
Share Caritas Australia's Lent Calendar app today! Invite your family and
friends to join you on your Lenten journey to learn, pray and act daily.
Lent is an easy way to start each day of their Lenten journey to learn, pray
and act!
3rd March
This year, the message for Project Compassion is: "Have life and have it to the full"
(John 10:10).
Pope Francis said, “Men and women of all times and all places desire a full and
beautiful life ... a life that is not threatened by death but that can mature and
grow to its fullness.” We all wish for a beautiful life don’t we?
With equal access to food, water, education, healthcare and shelter. With
freedom and peace and the joy of living together in community.
Over the next six weeks, we will hear stories from people in Brazil, South Sudan,
The Philippines, Solomon Islands, Aboriginal Australia and Sri Lanka .
3rd March
Pray for all those who do not have a safe and secure home; that men, women and
children of all times and in all places would have a full and beautiful life: a life that
can mature and grow to its fullness.
Decide how you will support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion during
Lent. Why not give something up?
4th March
Photo: Viyan Fernando
Shrove Tuesday
Nirangini collecting
eggs from her hen
house.
The name Shrove Tuesday comes from the custom of ringing the “shriving bell”.
This bell reminded people to be “shriven”, which meant to confess their sins at
the beginning of Lent. The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday started
as a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar before fasting for the
40 days of Lent.
For communities like Nirangini’s in Sri Lanka, eggs – one of the core ingredients of
a pancake – are not only a source of nutrition but also a way to earn money. We
will learn more about Nirangini’s story in the sixth week of Lent.
4th March
Photo: Viyan Fernando
Shrove Tuesday
Nirangini collecting
eggs from her hen
house.
On this Shrove Tuesday, Lord help us to enjoy and give thanks to you for
everything you provide for us, and remind us to share your gifts with others – not
as a matter of charity, but of justice. And as we enter into the Lenten period, we
pray that this will be a time of deepening our relationship with you. Amen.
Participate in the tradition of Shove Tuesday by selling freshly cooked
pancakes for breakfast or lunch and giving the proceeds to Project
Compassion. Make this even more fun by holding a pancake race, with the
winner receiving a free double serving of delicious pancakes! Yum!
Ash Wednesday
5th March
At the start of his public life, Jesus went into the desert and took time to reflect.
Lent is a time for spiritual reflection for us. You could ask yourself: Am I open to
being transformed by God’s love? Am I reflecting God’s love to others, especially
to those in need? We are able to help many people around the world when we
are part of the Catholic Church’s work to reduce poverty, through the work of
Caritas. Our contributions to Project Compassion help give people access to hope
and life – to the full.
As we journey through Lent using this app, we will learn about six individuals and
their communities, and how they are examples of great change!
Ash Wednesday
5th March
This prayer is part of an Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word.
Lord, We thank you for the gifts you have given us and the people who help us
live our lives to the full. During this Lenten season we ask You to bless us in our
support of Project Compassion. Through Jesus’ death and Resurrection we are
one body in Christ. We stand together in solidarity with our brothers and sisters
around the world to pray for justice for all people. Amen.
Who can you choose to show God’s mercy and love to during this Lenten
season?
Photo: Erin Johnson
6th March
Rooftops in
São Paulo,
Brazil.
God can teach us about his love through the Sacraments and the actions of
almsgiving, prayer and fasting.
Almsgiving means giving to the poor. We do this when we show that we believe
money should be used to care for family and others in need.
Prayer is giving God time, inviting Jesus to ‘make his home in me’.
Fasting helps create space where God can come more fully into my life.
The theme this year for Project Compassion is ‘That you may have life’.
It reminds us that we have the ‘fullness of life’ only through Jesus. This will
include sharing our time and gifts to bring life to others.
Photo: Erin Johnson
6th March
Teach me, Lord Jesus, to be generous:
to give, not counting the cost;
to toil, not asking for rest;
to labour, not seeking any reward,
We pray that, this Lent, we may
discover the heart of Jesus and be
drawn to ‘make our home in him’ more
fully. Amen.
Rooftops in
São Paulo,
Brazil.
How will your community put
compassion into action this year?
Download the fundraising booklet
to plan how you can raise funds
for Caritas Australia’s Project
Compassion this Lent.
World Day of Prayer
7th March
The theme for the World Day of Prayer 2014 is “Streams in the Desert”, chosen by
the women of Egypt. The focus is on how the church and wider community can
work towards justice, peace and security.
At Caritas Australia, we believe that we all have the responsibility to work towards
a world in balance, at peace, and free of poverty. We do this through our aid and
development programs, including the programs supported through the funds
raised for Project Compassion, but also through our education and advocacy
programs, which help Australians to, like you, ‘be a voice’.
World Day of Prayer
We pray that our hearts be
changed, that we do not sit in
silence while people suffer.
Help us to use our talents for
peace. Amen.
7th March
Visit the Caritas
Australia advocacy
page and take action
today!
8th March
Photo: Erin Johnson
International
Women’s Day
Maristely at one of the
Youth Empowerment
Program workshops, on
violence and conflict
resolution.
Jesus treated every woman he met with great respect. It was women who were
first to see him after his resurrection! Today, 70% of people who are poor, are
women. Women living in poverty are often more marginalised so it is especially
important to look after women and help them out of poverty.
This year’s Project Compassion tells the stories of four women: Martina from the
Solomon Islands, Lorraine from Australia, Nirangini from Sri Lanka, and this year’s
‘feature person’, Maristely from Brazil.
8th March
Photo: Erin Johnson
International
Women’s Day
Maristely at one of the
Youth Empowerment
Program workshops, on
violence and conflict
resolution.
Maristely is 18 and lives in a favela (slum) in the city of São Paulo in Brazil, South
America, with her grandmother, parents, younger brother and two younger
sisters.
Caritas Australia’s partner, the Movement for the Defence of Favela Residents, is
working to reduce violence in neighbourhoods. Through the Youth Empowerment
Program, Maristely and other young people from the favelas attend workshops on
important topics. They learn different ways to deal with issues, rather than
through violence.
8th March
Photo: Erin Johnson
International
Women’s Day
Maristely at one of the
Youth Empowerment
Program workshops, on
violence and conflict
resolution.
Loving God, we celebrate your faithfulness and love. We pray for all women
everywhere. We know that you want women to be treated fairly and lovingly at
all times. Amen.
Watch the Feature Film to learn more about Maristely’s story.
9th March
Photo: Erin Johnson
First Sunday of
Lent
Iguaçu favela (slum), São Paulo, Brazil.
Like Maristely, one in every seven people in the city of São Paulo lives in a favela
(slum). Favelas are dark and cramped, filled with irregular, self-constructed
houses. When Maristely was growing up, her family’s house, like many others,
was made of cardboard and had no electricity, water or connected sewerage.
The Gospels teach us that we are all equal before God, and the Catholic Social
Teaching principle of the ‘preferential option for the poor’ teaches us to work
towards a more just and fair society, where all people have a fair share of the
world's goods. Each of us has a responsibility to act to bring about a more
just and fair world.
9th March
Photo: Erin Johnson
First Sunday of
Lent
Iguaçu favela (slum), São Paulo, Brazil.
God of Love, Justice and Hope,
Lead us to remember what is really
important.
Not getting more and more stuff,
but being a good friend and a caring
person to all people.
Amen.
Donate 50c for every one of these you
have: a secure home, electricity, water
and connected sewerage.
Photo: Erin Johnson
Photo: Erin Johnson
10th March
Houses built near
a train line, Vila
Prudente favela,
São Paulo, Brazil.
Until 2006, most people in the world lived in rural areas, out of the city. Now, there are
more people living in areas closer to the city. These are called urban areas. Sadly, more and
more people living in urban areas, are living in poor, unsafe conditions.
Since the 1950s in Brazil, an estimated 20 million people moved from rural areas to the big
cities looking for work. Many people found themselves living in favelas, including
Maristely’s family. Most of the houses were built on land the people did not own, but that
no one wanted to live on.
Caritas Australia’s partner, the Movement for the Defence of Favela Residents (MDF), is
working with families like Maristely’s to gain the legal rights to their land, so that
they can have a safe and secure home and future.
Photo: Erin Johnson
10th March
Houses built near
a train line, Vila
Prudente favela,
São Paulo, Brazil.
Lord, We thank you for communities like Maristely’s, and praise you for the work
of organisations like MDF, who are working to help bring justice to the favela
residents. We pray for all the MDF educators. Give them the power to help all
those in need, through Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Visit Caritas Australia’s interactive Global Community and learn three facts
about Brazil to share with your friends and family.
Photo: Erin Johnson
11th March
Young people taking part
in a dance workshop at
the Youth Empowerment
Program, São Paulo,
Brazil.
Many favela residents in the city of São Paulo, Brazil are not treated well by people
outside the favelas, because they don’t like where they live. This is called
discrimination. “Outside the favela, we are socially excluded. When people ask us
where we live and we tell them, people look down on us,” said Maristely.
Discrimination can lead to people feeling very sad and frustrated, and they may
even get involved in violent activities. Caritas Australia’s partner, MDF, is working
to decrease youth and gang violence through its Youth Empowerment Program.
Photo: Erin Johnson
11th March
Young people taking part
in a dance workshop at
the Youth Empowerment
Program, São Paulo,
Brazil.
We pray that people learn to love each other no matter where they live. Help us
to be kind to all people. Amen.
Is there someone you haven’t been very kind to or are not getting along
with very well? Take the time to make peace in your relationships. Only use
words of hope, love, praise and forgiveness.
Photo: Erin Johnson
12th March
André, an MDF Educator,
conducting a house survey in
Vila Prudente favela, São
Paulo, Brazil.
Caritas Australia’s partner, the Movement for the Defence of Favela Residents
(MDF), is changing lives across 40 favelas in São Paulo. “The role of MDF is to
work with families so they are aware that they can advocate for improvements
where they live,” said Maristely. Advocate means they talk to the government or
people in charge who can make the decisions and changes, on behalf of the
residents. Through MDF, Maristely’s family, along with thousands of others, now
has access to clean water, electricity and connected sewerage, leading to a
reduction in respiratory and skin diseases, and better overall health.
Photo: Erin Johnson
12th March
André, an MDF Educator,
conducting a house survey in
Vila Prudente favela, São
Paulo, Brazil.
We pray that we may find the strength to protect and work for those whose
dignity and rights are not being upheld, to ensure just treatment for all. Amen.
Learn more about Caritas Australia’s guiding principles, including the dignity of
the human person.
Photo: Erin Johnson
13th March
Young boys playing
soccer in Vila Prudente
favela.
Being evicted means being forced to leave your home- even if you have no where
else to go! The issue of evictions is really important for Brazil as they prepare to
host the World Cup and Olympics. Over 200,000 people have already been
evicted.
Watch this short clip, to hear Maristely explaining about this issue and how it is
impacting on people in Brazil.
Photo: Erin Johnson
13th March
Young boys playing
soccer in Vila Prudente
favela.
God of all peoples, we give thanks for the strength, courage and witness of
Maristely, the members of MDF and the residents of the favelas in São Paulo, as
they stand in solidarity with those who confront the forced removal from their
homes, inadequate housing and an uncertain future.
We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen
Take action with Caritas Australia and stand in solidarity with MDF by
organising a ‘Sport for Justice’ event in your school or parish!
Photo: Erin Johnson
14th March
Maristely and
members of her
community in Nova
Divinéia favela.
“We see a lot of consumerism in society. People just want more and more things.
We try to help these people understand that it is not a car or a new mobile that
will give them a better future, but that other things, such as helping others, or
using kind words, will.” Maristely
We all have the right to a full life: but we do not have the right to have more and
more stuff, when other members of our one human family are suffering and do
not even have the basics in life.
Photo: Erin Johnson
14th March
Maristely and
members of her
community in Nova
Divinéia favela.
God of Justice, Give me the courage to raise my voice in solidarity with those
facing injustice. May I be generous with what you have freely given so my sisters
and brothers can have life, and have it to the full. Amen.
Host a Global Reality Meal using some of our global recipes. Designed to
be thought-provoking and to raise awareness about the global issue of
poverty, injustice and hunger.
Photo: Sandhurst Diocese
Photo: Erin Johnson
15th March
Maristely and
other young
leaders in Nova
Divinéia favela.
Getúlio is one of the educators from Caritas Australia’s partner the Movement for
the Defence of Favela Residents in São Paulo, Brazil. He describes Maristely as “a
flower who has bloomed in the middle of the favelas.”
Maristely also talks about how the program empowers young leaders like herself
to plant seeds of hope, knowing that even though they grow slowly, they can
believe and trust that “the situation will change.”
Photo: Sandhurst Diocese
Photo: Erin Johnson
15th March
Maristely and
other young
leaders in Nova
Divinéia favela.
Lord, thank you for the hope we find in Jesus. We pray for all those who work
towards justice. Help us to remember that our contributions are part of a great
work you have been doing throughout history, and that you will continue to do in
the future. Amen.
Plant a seed today and watch it bloom into a beautiful flower. Think of, and
pray for, Maristely and her community every time your water it.
Photo: Isabella Gomes
Second Sunday of
Lent
16th March
Deng with his wife Aketch
and three of their children
outside their tukul (hut) in
Barmayen village, South
Sudan.
“Yahweh guards you from all harm, Yahweh guards your life, Yahweh guards your
comings and goings, henceforth and for ever.” Psalm 121: 7-8
Jesus is fully human and fully divine. Up to the age of 30, he was an ordinary
craftsman in Nazareth. The Gospels show what Jesus was like as a person. Jesus
was easy to approach, enjoyed the company of children, got tired, happily shared
meals with others, and wept with grief at the death of a friend.
Jesus shows us that as human beings, God’s love can shine through us to others.
This week’s Project Compassion story is about a family in South Sudan.
Deng and his wife, Aketch had to run and hide in the bush when civil war broke
out in 1983. They survived on berries and bush meat, not knowing if they could
ever return home. Sadly during this time, Deng went blind.
In 2005 they were able to return home and since then, Deng and Aketch have
been helped by Caritas Australia and its partner in Sudan, the Hope Agency for
Relief and Development. Watch the Lenten Story Insight Film to hear more about
Deng’s story.
Through us, Jesus continues to bring hope and new life to people like Deng, who
are facing difficulties beyond their control. Our generosity, shown through Project
Compassion, enables Caritas Australia to run these projects.
Lord, we pray that we would open our
hearts and minds to the unity that
exists between us and the people of
Sudan. We pray too that we would
encourage and challenge one another
to be aware and caring of the wider
community of God’s people. Amen.
Visit Caritas Australia’s
interactive Global
Community and learn
more about Deng’s
story.
Photo: Isabella Gomes
Feast of St. Patrick
17th March
Sorghum is a cereal and is a staple
food in South Sudan. It is
pounded and ground down for
meals. Nothing is wasted – even
the husks are separated and
roasted.
“On this mountain, for all peoples, the Lord is preparing a banquet of rich food, a
banquet of fine wines, of succulent food, of well-strained wines.” (Isaiah 25:6)
In Deng’s community, growing fresh food was an important group activity before the
civil war broke out. Having enough nutritious food to ensure we are healthy is a
basic human right and is possible, but hunger is the biggest health problem we face
in the world today.
Feast of St. Patrick
17th March
Dear Lord, We thank you for the blessings of food, water, shelter, family and wellbeing. As we enjoy healthy food, we will think of those who struggle to feed their
families every day. You taught us to pray. As we say “Give us today our daily
bread” we make that prayer also for the millions who go hungry every day. Amen.
Choose something to make and sell from our recipe book, and host a
Caritas Café fundraiser for Project Compassion!
18th March
Bus passengers disembark at a
transit camp for people returning
to South Sudan from Sudan. Here,
Caritas works to help families who
are about to start a new life in the
newly-formed country.
Many people have to flee their homes because of danger or war. Sometimes they
look for safety in nearby countries, or even in another part of their own country.
There are 28.8 million around the world, living in temporary shelters in their own
countries!
Deng and his family had to survive in other parts of Sudan. Deng describes his
experience as surprising and frightening. They had to leave everything behind.
“We separated from our friends and other members of the family. The bush
became our home” said Deng.
Photo: Isabella Gomes
18th March
Bus passengers disembark at a
transit camp for people returning
to South Sudan from Sudan. Here,
Caritas works to help families who
are about to start a new life in the
newly-formed country.
Lord God, no one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care.
In your kindness, watch over all people who are victims of war, those separated
from their loved ones, young people who are lost, and those who have left home
or who have run away from home. Bring them back safely to the place where they
long to be, and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and to all in
need. Grant this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Start planning a Caritas Ks event, to stand in solidarity with the millions of
refugees in the world, who are our brothers and sisters.
Photo: Isabella Gomes
Feast of St. Joseph
19th March
Deng with one of his
goats
Food security is a very important issue around the world. It means having enough
nutritious food to eat. In our world today, 870 million people do not have
enough healthy food to eat. In 2005, when the civil war ended and Deng and his
family were able to move back to Barmayen village, Caritas Australia’s partner
started a program to help them. Deng and Aketch (his wife) received two goats,
five chickens, fishing nets and some seeds to plant on their small plot of land.
Deng says: “I am very hopeful that we will have enough food for the next season.
We sell the fish that we get from the river, and I am able to buy my children
school uniforms.”
Feast of St. Joseph
19th March
Pray for all the people who struggle to find and provide food to feed themselves
and their families.
Millions of people like Deng survive on a staple diet of fish and rice.
The Feast of Saint Joseph is traditionally a day when people do not eat meat.
This explains the custom of St. Joseph tables being covered with meatless
dishes.
Plan to host a ‘Fish Friday’ fundraiser for Project Compassion. Fish Friday is a
popular event for Caritas Australia, with events held in schools, public spaces,
parishes and workplaces across Australia. It’s not often that we go without the
basics in Australia. But by holding a Fish Friday event – and serving a simple
meal so others can simply live – you can help raise money for communities in
need.
Photo: Isabella Gomes
International Day of Happiness
20th March
Deng was paralysed down one
side when he was a young boy,
and lost his eyesight during his
time in the bush during the
conflict.
People living with disabilities are often excluded. In developing countries, living
with a disability is even more difficult. Living in poverty increases the chances of
having a disability and living with a disability increases the chances of living in
poverty.
Caritas reaches out to those people who need extra help, so Deng was
overjoyed to hear that he would be able to participate.
“Thank you very much and God bless you abundantly. I am looking forward
to a good harvest.”
Photo: Isabella Gomes
International Day of Happiness
Creator God, we are your people.
We look to the future with
optimism and with faith in You.
We pray that every man, woman
and child may develop their
potential. Amen.
20th March
Deng was paralysed down one
side when he was a young boy,
and lost his eyesight during his
time in the bush during the
conflict.
Caritas Australia supports the
End the Cycle movement,
which is about helping people
who live with disabilities in
the world's poorest countries.
Watch some of the videos to
learn more.
Photo: Isabella Gomes
Harmony Day Australia
21st March
Deng with
members of the
village
community.
Harmony Day is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home –
from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many
countries around the world. The motto is “Everyone Belongs”.
Before being involved in the livelihood program with Caritas’ partner, Deng says
he had lost his sense of humour and felt excluded. Now, he enjoys talking and
laughing with others in the community!
Harmony Day Australia
Sharing is caring, Fun is joy
Holding hands with God’s gift
Cuddling cultures, With helping hearts
Comes laughing love, And loving life
Respecting religions, Combining
cultures
Smiling faces, On faithful friends
Share fair, Showing respect
To peaceful people, Lending love
Giving goods, Sharing songs
Knowing that friendliness equals
happiness
Be helpful to each other
Joy in justice, Getting along
With wandering wonders
Loving and learning
Helping in happiness
This is my kind of harmony
21st March
Take action and include
someone who is excluded
today.
Photo: Isabella Gomes
World Water Day
Today, 783 million people do not have
access to clean water, while 2.5 billion
people don’t have proper sanitation
facilities like washing up taps or toilets.
Caritas Australia’s partner Hope Agency
for Relief and Development in South
Sudan provides water to Deng’s
community via a new borehole.
22nd March
Before the new borehole was installed,
villagers in Deng’s community, including
his wife, Aketch, used to have to collect
water from this open well. The water is
contaminated by animals and detergents
used to wash clothes.
Pray for those people living in dry
lands, and struggling to survive
without access to safe drinking
water.
Conduct a water audit to find
out how much water you use
in 24hrs.
Donate 10c for every litre!
23rd March
Photo: Raphael Meting
Third Sunday of
Lent
Archie and his family and community
used to live on the banks of the
Plaridel River in the Philippines,
similar to what is shown here.
Read John 4:5-42 (The woman at the well). Imagine you drop in to your local shop to get
some milk or bread – the sort of thing that you might do any day – and you meet Jesus
there! Sounds incredible, doesn’t it? But that’s pretty much what happened to the
Samaritan woman when she went to the well to collect her daily supply of water. And it
changed her life!
Something similar happened for 19 year old Archie from Bulcan Province in the Philippines.
With his nine siblings and parents, he had been living in a one-room, make-shift house,
close to a rubbish dump and the Plaridel river, where lots of flooding and typhoons
happened. Then new life came for Archie when he joined a program to move house. This
program is supported by Caritas Australia.
23rd March
Photo: Raphael Meting
Third Sunday of
Lent
Lord, help us to accept everybody,
from all different cultures. Help us
to remember that we are a part of
a universal family. Amen.
Archie and his family’s old
community, on the banks of the
Plaridel River in the Philippines.
Visit Caritas Australia’s
Global Community and
learn more about
Archie’s story.
Photo: Raphael Meting
24th March
Archie and some of his siblings
proudly showing their new home.
“Our previous house was only three by four metres. It was made of thin plywood,
bamboo sticks and galvanized iron. We ate, slept and gathered together in only
one area. Most of the time, our roof had holes in it. So when it rained, it was like
we were having a shower” said Archie.
In August 2012, thanks to an emergency resettlement program, Archie’s family
moved to a new home.
“Our new house is three to four times bigger than our old one, and is made of
concrete and cement. We also have electricity, three taps with clean water and
our own toilet” said Archie.
Photo: Raphael Meting
24th March
Archie and some of his siblings
proudly showing their new home.
Lord and giver of all life, we thank you that Archie and his family and community
feel safe and secure, and pray that they will continue to feel confident in their
new homes. Amen.
Give 50c for each of the following that you have in your home: electricity, taps,
and toilets.
25th March
Photo: Majed Chowdhury
Photo: Raphael Meting
The Annunciation
of the Lord
Archie and his friends playing in the
streets. There used to be no room to
play outside where they used to live.
“Your throne is from God, for ever and ever, the sceptre of your kingship a sceptre
of justice, you love uprightness and detest evil. This is why God, your God, has
anointed you with oil of gladness.” (Psalm 45: 6-7)
Now that Archie and his family are secure and confident in their new home and
community, Archie says that they are “so much happier.”
“Caritas Australia has changed our lives. We are so thankful and happy that
we are living in a safe community. Thank you” said Archie.
25th March
Photo: Majed Chowdhury
Photo: Raphael Meting
The Annunciation
of the Lord
Lord, we thank you for the joy
felt by Archie’s family when
they moved into their new
home. Amen.
Archie and his friends playing in the
streets. There used to be no room to
play outside where they used to live.
How can you work for
justice and show love in
your community?
Photo: Raphael Meting
26th March
The community where Archie and
his family now live includes various
centres and a chapel.
In Romans 12:3-13, Saint Paul uses the image of a body to demonstrate how each
individual part is important in making the body work as a whole.
In the Philippines, Archie’s family’s house is part of a larger community for similar
families. Everyone pitches in to keep the community going. There is a chapel, a
day care centre, a healthcare centre, a livelihood centre that has a shared
vegetable garden and an art and craft program.
Everyone can participate and together, ‘have life to the full’.
Photo: Raphael Meting
26th March
The community where Archie and
his family now live includes various
centres and a chapel.
Give thanks for Archie and all the people in his community. Pray that their
community spirit will continually be strengthened.
We have learnt how, in Archie’s community, everyone helps out. Light a
candle as you pray for your community and communities around the world,
and think about how you can help make your local and global community a
better place.
Photo: Raphael Meting
27th March
Archie and two of his
friends making
candles.
Through the Caritas-supported emergency resettlement program, Archie’s mum
has learnt how to make bags, and Archie has learnt how to make candles. Archie
can earn up to $11 a day. Since one in four people in the Philippines living on less
than $1.25/day, this is an important source of income for Archie and his family.
“We have confidence because we feel secure and supported. I can see myself
being able to send my younger brothers and sisters to school. The Caritas Australia
program has increased our sense of pride and self-esteem” said Archie.
Photo: Raphael Meting
27th March
Archie and two of his
friends making
candles.
Father God, we thank you for the abundance of gifts you have given each and
every one of us. Thank you that Archie and his mum are able to use their gifts
and earn money in making bags and candles. We pray that, as we use our gifts,
we would shine for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
What could you make and sell for Project Compassion? Bags and candles like
Archie and his mum? Friendship bands? Bookmarks? Pottery? Put on your
creative hat, set up a stall and sell your items to friends and family!
Photo: Majed Chowdhury
Photo: Raphael Meting
28th March
Archie talking about the
program.
Today, 774 million adults don’t have basic literacy skills, like reading and writing.
In the Philippines, one in three people (33%) do not have a secondary education,
and only 29% of the population have a university education.
Archie is most excited about is studying in the Caritas Australia funded program
for young people and adults. This will increase his future opportunities and allow
him to continue on to tertiary education.
Photo: Majed Chowdhury
Photo: Raphael Meting
28th March
Give thanks for your education today.
Give 50c for every year of education you have completed.
Archie talking about the
program.
Saturday 29th March
Photo: Raphael Meting
Earth Hour
People living in the Plaridel River
community in the Philippines are at risk
of typhoons and flooding.
Archie experienced severe flooding three times in his old house including the September
2009 Super Typhoon Ondoy. Did you also hear about the Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013?
As Christians, we believe that the earth and all life on it are God’s creation. This means
that we are called to take care of that gift – that we are responsible for looking after the
world we live in. How can you live more sustainably?
Lord, help us to work
together as a global
community to be good
stewards of earth.
Turn all the lights off in your house for one hour today,
to stand in solidarity with the millions around the
world who are already experiencing the effects of
climate change. For more information and further
actions, see Caritas Australia’s ‘A Just Climate’
campaign.
30th March
Photo: Richard Wainwright
Fourth Sunday
of Lent
Martina from Bishop Epalle Catholic
School in the Solomon Islands,
using well-known tunes and simple
lyrics to teach children what to do
when disaster threatens.
Read John 9:1-41 (The story of the blind man being cured)
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus speaks of himself as ‘the light of the world’.
The question for us is: ‘Am I living in the light of faith or am I in the dark, thinking
only about myself?’ The healing of the man who was blind from birth shows us
how Jesus made it possible for people to escape from darkness into light.
For people in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, life-challenging events come in
the form of floods, earthquakes, landslides and cyclones.
30th March
Often these disasters occur in the early morning when children are walking to
school. Caritas Australia’s Disaster Risk Management program uses well-known
tunes and simple lyrics to teach children what to do when disaster threatens. The
program has been rolled out through 35 schools in the Solomon Islands and 22
schools in Vanuatu. Through Project Compassion people of the Solomon Islands
don’t have to feel so afraid!
Lord, we pray for the grace to overcome our blindness and clearly see our
responsibility for others. Fill our hearts with Your compassion, so that we may
share what we have. Help us to respond to support the people of the Solomon
Islands, Vanuatu, and others, who live with the constant threat of disaster. Amen.
Visit Caritas Australia’s interactive Global Community, and learn more
about Martina’s story.
31st March
Martina writing the lyrics to one of the rhymes used to teach her students how
to stay safe during weather-related disasters.
In the Solomon Islands, children are learning how to stay safe during natural
disasters by memorising catchy songs and rhymes. Watch this video about how
Martina and others like her are helping save children’s lives, one rhyme at a time.
Photo: Richard Wainwright
31st March
Lord, we know that music and singing is a gift from you. We thank you for it, and
thank You too for the positive impact it is having on Martina’s community. We
pray that many more children would hear these songs and know what to do in an
emergency, so that more lives would continue to be saved. We ask this in Jesus’
name, Amen.
If you and your friends enjoy singing as much as the children in Martina’s
class do, why not hold a talent quest and charge people a gold coin donation
to enter? It could be lots of fun. Don’t forget to show the Project Compassion
feature film too!
Photo: Richard Wainwright
1st April
One of Martina’s students
presenting her drawing of what to
do during an emergency to the
class.
“We have the cyclone season that runs from November to March annually, so this
type of disaster is a big risk.”
The program is not only helping to save children’s lives, but is educating their
families, too. Adam Elliott, Caritas Australia’s Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
Program Manager, said “The children take this disaster risk management to their
homes, they sing songs and talk about what the songs have taught them.”
Photo: Richard Wainwright
1st April
One of Martina’s students
presenting her drawing of what to
do during an emergency to the
class.
Lord, we thank you for this program that is helping save children’s lives, and that
it is educating families, too. We pray for inspiration for communities all over the
world who must prepare for natural disasters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Spend some quality time with a friend or family member.
Photo: Richard Wainwright
2nd April
“This is the day which Yahweh has made, a day for
us to rejoice and be glad.” Psalm 118:24 The
children have learnt four songs including the ‘flood
song’ which is sung to the tune of “This is the Day
that the Lord has made”. Whenever they sing, the
melodies can be heard far and wide. “Nursery
rhymes break down the fear associated with
natural disasters, and also help children memorise
the rhymes and the emergency response,” said
Martina. “They enjoy the singing.”
Martina and her students.
Lord, we thank you for this day,
that you have made. We thank you
that it is a day for us to rejoice and
be glad. Amen.
How will you rejoice in today?
4th April
Photo: Richard Wainwright
National Ride2School Day
Australia
Looking out over the hills in
the Solomon Islands.
Pray for protection and strength for people living in the Solomon Islands.
Walk, Run, Swim or Cycle in solidarity with the world's poor this Lent. Host
a Caritas Ks event, to educate people (at school, work or community
group) in social justice, and inspire them to “be more” and “be a voice” for
the poorest in our world.
Photo: Richard Wainwright
3rd April
Children playing in Tuvaruhu
village in Honiara, the capital of
the Solomon Islands.
The Caritas Disaster Risk Management program in the Solomon Islands has had a
lot of success, as shown during Cyclone Sandra in 2013.
“In the 2013 cyclone, everything was well coordinated and planned. Martina
waited with the children in the classroom for the initial bad weather to pass,”
Adam, Caritas Australia’s Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Program Manager, said.
In fact, the program has been so successful that it is being extended to other
communities and across other countries in the same region!
Photo: Richard Wainwright
3rd April
Children playing in Tuvaruhu
village in Honiara, the capital of
the Solomon Islands.
Lord Jesus, raise up leaders like Adam and Martina in every land, dedicated to
protecting others, equality and justice. Amen.
Take a stand in solidarity with the world’s poor, by thinking of ways that we
can reduce pollution.
Photo: Richard Wainwright
National Ride2School Day
Australia
4th April
Looking out over the hills in
the Solomon Islands.
Every day, thousands of women and children around the world need to travel
many kilometres to fetch water, get food, get to school or market, or simply to
survive. During natural disasters, children in the Solomon Islands are learning to
run to higher ground during a flood, through the words of this rhyme:
River hem flood, River hem flood. Yumi run away, up to higher ground.
River hem flood. River hem flood. Yu no stay en drown, Yumi run on top
Olketa hurry, yumi run away
Up to the hill and the mountain top.
River hem flood. River hem flood. Yumi run away.
Photo: Richard Wainwright
5th April
Children in Martina’s
class demonstrating one
of the life-saving songs
they have learnt.
Martina says that one of the most important things this program has given her
community, is the ability to be prepared. “This season we’re better prepared and
know how to respond, and in an emergency this can make all the difference.”
God calls us to ‘be prepared’, too. Martina and her children sing their songs daily
so they can remember life-saving knowledge. Similarly, the more we read God’s
word and pray, the more important it becomes to us. During difficult times we
have more hope and peace to share with others.
Photo: Richard Wainwright
5th
April
Children in Martina’s
class demonstrating one
of the life-saving songs
they have learnt.
God, our Heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this holy
Season of Lent. God of love, bring me back to You. Send Your Spirit to make me
strong in faith and active in works of justice. May this time of reflection open my
heart to Your love. Amen.
Pray with someone today.
Credit: Simon Hewson
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Passion Sunday
6th April
Pintupi woman Lorraine
outside The Purple House
in Alice Springs.
Read John 11:1-45 (Story of Lazarus). In this Sunday’s Gospel we meet Lazarus
and his two sisters, Martha and Mary. They were friends of Jesus, always making
him welcome in their home.
This week’s Project Compassion story is about a First Australian woman. Six years
ago, Lorraine discovered she had kidney failure and had to move to Alice Springs,
550kms away from her home community, for weekly dialysis treatment. To keep
her spirit alive, Lorraine visits The Purple House, a home away from home.
6th April
Credit: Simon Hewson
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Passion Sunday
Pintupi woman Lorraine
outside The Purple House
in Alice Springs.
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray that we may share in the
vision of Christ to give life, to bring hope and opportunity for all who long for
home. Amen.
Visit Caritas Australia’s interactive Global Community and learn more
about Lorraine’s story.
Credit: Simon Hewson
World Health Day
7th April
Bush balms made by Lorraine
and other participants at The
Purple House.
Indigenous Rights are an important global issue. In our world today: Aboriginal
Australians have life expectancies 11.5 years lower for males and 9.7 years lower
for females than non-Aboriginal Australians.
To keep her spirit alive, Lorraine visits The Purple House that supports patients
who are far away from their country and culture. A bush balm program offers
people aged 23-75 who are chronically unwell, a sense of purpose, comfort and
wellbeing. It gives them the opportunity to share traditional knowledge and
values and help them feel connected to home.
Credit: Simon Hewson
World Health Day
7th April
Bush balms made by Lorraine
and other participants at The
Purple House.
Lord, we thank you for The Purple House, and for all those who work to provide a
home away from home for the dialysis patients in Alice Springs.
For Lorraine, staying connected to her cultural identity while she is
receiving dialysis treatment far from home is extremely important. Why
not learn about your heritage and take up a cultural practice for a day or a
week?
8th April
It is important to understand that many First Australians still experience cultural,
geographical and language-based discrimination today. This can lead to a lack of
access to education, basic human services, skills training and employment
opportunities.
Caritas Australia’s program is responding to the immediate needs of First
Australians experiencing health problems; but we are also working to address
these deeper issues. For more information, you can watch the Walk as One
powerpoint for schools.
8th April
God Creator Spirit, put in us the spirit of unity with our Indigenous Sisters and
Brothers from around the world. Lord, with your grace, help us to endure the
challenges placed before us and our Earth. Let us take time to reflect on the
spiritual connection to our lands and the fragility and beauty of mother Earth.
Amen.
Take the path to justice. Join Caritas Australia and host a Walk As One
event. The gold coin donation proceeds could go to Project Compassion.
9th April
Students at the Akah Literacy
Program in, Kengtung, Burma. The
program upholds and protects the
rights of an ethnic minority group to
maintain their language, culture and
traditional ways of life.
As well as health, education is still one of the great challenges facing Indigenous
communities around the world today. The United Nations says that education
systems often do not respect Indigenous Peoples’ diverse cultures. The Caritas
Walk as One report found that, “The result is an education gap – Indigenous
students have lower enrolment rates, higher dropout rates and poorer
educational outcomes than non- Indigenous people in the same countries.”
9th April
Students at the Akah Literacy
Program in, Kengtung, Burma. The
program upholds and protects the
rights of an ethnic minority group to
maintain their language, culture and
traditional ways of life.
Pray for wise government leaders, both federal and state/territory, as they
develop and implement policies to help our Indigenous brothers and sisters live
life to the full.
Give 50c for each year of your life.
Credit: Simon Hewson
World Poetry Day
10th April
Tradition is integral to our
community development programs
in Indigenous Australia. Aboriginal
art can be encouraged to promote
sustainable livelihoods.
Lorraine’s father and mother, Jonny Yungut and Walungkura Napananka, live in
Kintore. They are well-known artists, and paint for Papunya Tula Artists. They
paint their stories of country on canvas. The Papunya Tula painting style is
inspired by traditional body and sand painting associated with ceremony.
Aboriginal art frequently reflects the spiritual traditions, cultural practices and
lives of Aboriginal people.
World Poetry Day
Be still, wait, do not rush things.
Let life happen by itself.
Work with it, trust in the spirituality
and wisdom that is around you.
With confidence, we wait for God too.
His time is 'right time'.
Wait for Him to make His Word clear.
'Right time', gentle time, don't rush.
Sometimes waiting is painful.
Sometimes it's a struggle.
But,
Circle is always turning.
'Right time' will come.
Be patient.
Be still.
Listen.
10th April
Make and sell your own drawing
for Project Compassion!
Credit: Simon Hewson
11th April
Irremenke Irremenke
Although Lorraine feels far from home in Alice Springs, she enjoys her time
spent at The Purple House, where she can call home and speak to her family.
Caritas Australia is supporting a new income-generating social enterprise at The
Purple House –making and selling bush balms.
“My favourite balm is Irremenke Irremenke. It is a good bush medicine that our
grandmothers used to make. It is good for pain and headaches. It is a cheeky
plant, it is hard to find and hard to grow. I love the smell of the bush balm mix
boiling up. It reminds me of home,” said Lorraine.
11th April
What could you make and sell for
Project Compassion?
Credit: Simon Hewson
Creator Spirit,
Blessed are you who made all things.
You are wondrous with your
blessings.
You have given me land.
This is where I come from.
My sacredness,
My identity,
My food and shelter,
My healing,
My knowledge,
My strength,
My hope.
Credit: Simon Hewson
12th April
Aratja growing in the bush.
Before her diagnosis and move to Alice Springs, Lorraine enjoyed daily life in
Kintore with her family and friends. Every day they would sleep under the
moon, wake up with the sun and cook breakfast on the fire. Jesus withdrew to
quiet places to pray and communicate with God every time before going out in
ministry somewhere.
Lord, we thank you for the
example of Jesus your Son who
showed us the importance of
taking time to pray and
communicate with you. Amen.
Take some time out to
recharge and reconnect with
your friends, family and with
God.
13th April
Credit: Viyan Fernando
Palm Sunday
Nirangini from Sri Lanka.
Read from Mt. 26:14 (The Passion). The Jesus who now calls us to carry on his
healing mission on earth, is the Jesus who gave his life for every human person,
be they African, Asian, South American or from other lands. We can reflect
God’s love to each and every person alive today.
When civil war destroyed Sri Lanka from 1983-2009, Nirangini, her 67-year-old
mother and seven-year-old son, were forced to flee from temporary shelter to
temporary shelter many times. In 2009, thanks to a Caritas Sri Lanka program,
supported by Caritas Australia, the family secured a permanent home.
13th April
Credit: Viyan Fernando
Palm Sunday
Nirangini from Sri Lanka.
Lord, we pray that we can enable people to experience unconditional love,
bringing them peace, hope and life. We pray too for healing within ourselves and
others, and that we may be instruments of peace in our world. Help us to
embrace simplicity so that there is more room in our hearts to understand others.
Amen.
Visit Caritas Australia’s interactive Global Community and learn more
about Nirangini’s story.
Credit: Viyan Fernando
14th April
Nirangini’s son, Jenson
(11), on his way to
school.
Conflict is an important global issue today. Poverty, inequality and natural
disasters are the major causes. Sri Lanka’s civil war turned Nirangini’s life upside
down. She remembers her childhood fondly, growing up in a family of nine
siblings during peacetime. But when the civil war started, her entire community
was forced to leave. During those years, there was little food or water and
Nirangini’s son became undernourished. Today, Nirangini has a permanent home
and an income source thanks to a Caritas Australia-funded program, which means
Jenson can attend the village school and gain a good education.
Credit: Viyan Fernando
14th April
Nirangini’s son, Jenson
(11), on his way to
school.
God of justice, we pray today as we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem on a
donkey. We pray for Nirangini and her community in Sri Lanka. Many people in
our world are experiencing poverty as a result of civil war. Through Project
Compassion, may we support a just and peaceful world where there is an end to
poverty. We ask this in the name of Jesus your Son, Amen.
Learn more about global issues and how Caritas Australia is working to end
poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
Credit: Viyan Fernando
Photo: Majed Chowdhury
15th April
Nirangini with her mother and son.
Nirangini with her mother and
son.
During the civil war Nirangini and her family were constantly on the move with no
permanent home. “We were displaced 11 times before we came back to Veravil
in the Kilinochchi district,” said Nirangini.
Jesus and his disciples were constantly on the move throughout Jesus’ ministry,
and they relied on other people’s care and hospitality as they travelled from town
to town. Throughout the New Testament, we are challenged to show such care
and hospitality – but who to? We are called to be hospitable to all, and especially
to those in need.
Credit: Viyan Fernando
15th April
Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee and
had no place to call his own; look
with mercy on those who today
are fleeing from danger,
homeless and hungry.
Amen.
Nirangini with her mother and
son.
How can we be more
hospitable in our everyday
lives?
Photo: Fr Philip Gibbs
Credit: Viyan Fernando
16th April
Nirangini in her home garden.
In December 2009, Nirangini and her family moved back to her childhood village.
In Veravil, a Caritas Sri Lanka program, supported by Caritas Australia, was
assisting families to resettle. At first, Nirangini’s family moved into a temporary
structure. But in March 2012 the Caritas program supported Nirangini to build her
own permanent home. She was keen to take part in the process where she could
and helped by carrying bricks, sand and water to the building site. Nirangini was
also able to start a home garden and small poultry business. These give her a
good income and provide her family with nutritious food.
Photo: Fr Philip Gibbs
Credit: Viyan Fernando
16th April
Lord, we pray that as we stand in a
shop, as we prepare our meals, we
will remember that what we buy
and eat comes from farmers,
growers, workers and labourers in
fields and factories across the
world. Amen.
Nirangini in her home garden.
Buy a Fairtrade Easter
Egg for someone
special.
17th April
Photo: Fr Philip Gibbs
Maundy Thursday
Credit: Viyan Fernando
Nirangini leading a community meeting in her village.
Nirangini leading a community
meeting in her village
Read John 13:1-15 (Jesus washes the disciples’ feet). Who are the most
vulnerable and marginalised in our society? Who do you find it most hard to like,
or against whom do you harbour prejudices?
In Sri Lanka, where Nirangini lives, tensions between different ethnic groups
escalated to civil war. Although the conflict has ended, it is still important to work
for peace.
17th April
Photo: Fr Philip Gibbs
Maundy Thursday
Credit: Viyan Fernando
Nirangini leading a community meeting in her village.
Jesus, we thank You that You
wash us and made us clean.
Thank You for giving up Your life
and serving us, so we can have
true life. Help us use our life to
serve You and serve other
people. We pray in Your name.
Amen.
Nirangini leading a community
meeting in her village
Think of ways you can ‘wash
someone’s feet’ today: make
peace with someone you don’t
like; make friends with someone
you’ve been avoiding because of
their race/religion; challenge
someone’s prejudices; say kind
words.
Good Friday
18th April
A church in the city of São
Paulo, Brazil.
Read John 18:1–19:42. In this unfair world, many are voiceless in their struggle
against the unfair things they face. Many of these are issues that no matter how
far we may be from the communities affected, we can change, through using our
voice and making a stand.
God of justice, give me the
courage to raise my voice
in solidarity with those
facing injustice. Amen.
Use the Caritas Australia ‘Way
of the Cross’ PowerPoint in
your School or Parish
19th April
Credit: Viyan Fernando
Holy Saturday
Nirangini in front of the
house that she helped
build.
Read Isaiah 55:1-11 (Invitation to the Thirsty) This beautiful passage from Isaiah
is a vision of God’s world – of a just world. A world where anyone who is thirsty
can find clean water to drink; a world where anyone without money can come,
buy and eat. For Nirangini, being a part of the Caritas Australia-supported
program has given her a home – and with that home, has come a sense of peace.
God of all creation, You have blessed
us with a world of beauty, where no
one stands outside your loving care.
Open our hearts and teach us your
compassion. Amen.
Give 50c for each of the
following that you have: food,
clothing, a home, family and
friends, a democratic
government, peace, and health.
20th April
Photo: Erin Johnson
Photo: Erin Johnson
Easter Sunday
Maristely and friends playing
joyfully in the streets of
Nova Divinéia favela in São
Paulo, Brazil.
Read John 20:1-9 (The Empty Tomb) ‘He is risen!’
We feel joyful today because we remember that Jesus is risen from the dead –
death has been defeated! This Lent, we have learned about six people, their
communities and their homes. We have been reflecting on the importance of
home for having life to the full.
For Maristely and her community in São Paulo, Brazil, this is about being aware
of their dignity and rights, so that they can access basic services and own their
homes and the land they live on. It is also about being encouraged and learning
how to live in peace.
Easter Sunday
For Deng in South Sudan and Nirangini
in Sri Lanka, back home after years of
disruption from their countries’ civil
wars, Caritas Australia’s partners are
helping them rebuild their lives
through livelihood programs.
For Archie from the Philippines and
Martina from the Solomon Islands, the
threat of weather-related disasters
meant that home was not a safe or
secure place to be.
And for Lorraine in Aboriginal
Australia, it is about having a home
away from home.
20th April
Watch the Reflection slideshow and
pray for each person that you have got
to know during this Lent period, that
they would ‘have life to the full’.
“The Risen One goes before us and
accompanies us along the paths of the
world. He is our hope, He is the true
peace of the world.” (Pope Benedict
XVI, Easter, 2009)
Upload any photos of events you
have held to our Solidarity Wall
to share with the rest of Australia
and our partners how you have
been standing in solidarity with
the poorest of the poor this Lent!
Photo: Erin Johnson
THANK YOU for completing our Lent calendar and for reflecting, praying and
acting with us each day throughout Project Compassion! Thank you for your
support of Caritas Australia’s work, which enables us to demonstrate God’s love
to people.