Identity and Mission

The Season of Lent has begun, which allows us a chance to examine our lives and look at the things that we can do to make ourselves better people, and to also work towards making a positive impact on those around us. You would be familiar with Project Compassion, the major fundraiser for Caritas, the Catholic aid agency. Your family should have received a donation box, and you are encouraged to donate to this worthy cause. Project Compassion runs up until Easter, so there is time for you to gather those loose coins and contribute towards a great cause.

A group of Year 9 students participated in a Zoom call with the head of Caritas’ Overseas Projects. Stephanie answered students’ questions and gave an insight into the work of Caritas with some of the world’s poorest communities. It gave the girls a close insight into the needs of others and how they can assist.

First Week of Lent

Caritas Australia begins their annual Lenten Project Compassion journey by learning about the story of Jamila and her family. Jamila, 22, is a Rohingya woman, living in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. A single mother, she fled armed conflict in Myanmar to save herself, her elderly mother and eight-month-old baby. 

With the support of Caritas Australia, through Caritas Bangladesh, Jamila was able to access emergency food and shelter. She also received counselling, emotional support and learnt sewing skills, to help her earn an income.  Jamila now feels less alone, with a sense of community around her. She is able to ‘Be More’ to her little family. 

Watch a short film about Jamila’s story here.

 “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” 

Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au

860,494 people remain in the densely populated camps, in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, especially due to COVID-19. (UNHCR)