In his encyclical letter Caritas in Veritate, published last June, Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that to feed the hungry is an ethical imperative for the universal Church, as she responds to the teachings of her Founder, the Lord Jesus, concerning solidarity and the sharing of goods” This duty of solidarity goes way beyond the shipping of food to those whose survival is threatened by starvation. “The problem of food insecurity needs to be addressed within a long-term perspective, eliminating the structural causes that give rise to it and promoting the agricultural development of poorer countries” (Benedict XVI, ibid). 

On the occasion of this Share Lent Campaign, Development and Peace proposes concrete measures in favour of food security. Actions taken by this organisation of the Catholic Church are aimed at dealing with the causes of poverty. A number of projects supported by Development and Peace in Africa, America and Asia are aimed at developing a productive and environmentally friendly agriculture designed especially to meet the needs of local populations.

We have donated very generously towards the earthquake victims in Haiti. Thanks to these donations, several organizations, including Development and Peace and its partner Caritas, were able to help the affected populations quickly and efficiently.

It would be a mistake, however, in response to this new call from Development and Peace, to say: “I have already given”. Emergency aid in a disaster situation is one thing, but development aid is something else, quite different and also necessary. Only development aid will bring about sustainable progress in our fight against injustice, poverty and starvation.

This is my invitation to all parishes in the diocese of Gatineau, to participate in this Share Lent Campaign. And I would remind you that the expression “Share Lent” was coined by the bishops of Canada to identify the Development and Peace campaign, and should only refer to this one. In fact, it would be preferable not to accept any other fundraising campaign during Lent, to avoid any confusion.

I wish to thank all the individuals, groups and parishes who will take up this call generously and mark this period of Lent 2010 with a gesture of generosity and solidarity, as required by our faith in Jesus.

† Roger Ébacher
Archbishop of Gatineau
February 2, 2010