Thousands of generous supporters including school children and parishes across Brisbane have joined in solidarity with the world’s poor, donating more than $1.2 million to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal.
Caritas Australia is the Catholic Church’s aid and development agency and part of one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world.
Held annually over the six weeks of Lent, Project Compassion raises awareness and funds to eradicate poverty and promote justice across the world.
This year’s Project Compassion theme of "For a Just Future" highlighted the role that young people have to play in the solutions to the challenges facing their societies globally.
This year $10.8 million was donated nationally to the appeal.
Caritas Australia’s Brisbane-based Justice Educator, Kerry Drysdale, thanked the community for their support.
"Project Compassion is an ongoing demonstration of faith, love and generosity. We are grateful for each and every gift.
"Since it began more than half a century ago, Project Compassion has helped to transform the lives of millions of people. This year’s appeal brings one step closer to our goal of eradicating poverty in all its forms," said Mr Drysdale.
One of the highlights of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal was the launch Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of St Stephen by Archbishop Mark Coleridge on Shrove Tuesday, February 13.
Following the Mass, 600 students, heard from Psyche Mae, a young social worker from the Philippines.
As a young girl Psyche Mae, lived in a squatter settlement on the edge of a giant rubbish dump. Through the support of Caritas Australia, she emerged from the cycle of poverty and is planning to undertake a master’s degree to help others to do the same.
In the Catholic Year of Youth, stories from Nepal, Cambodia, Jordan, Australia, Mozambique and the Philippines were shared during Project Compassion.
Money raised through Project Compassion goes towards Caritas Australia’s humanitarian and long term development in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific and with Australia’s First Peoples.
Last year, Caritas Australia reached over 2 million people directly.
To learn more about Caritas Australia and Project Compassion visit: https://www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion
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