CAFOD

Photos of the CAFOD staff Big Lent Walk in Nigeria

Photos of the CAFOD staff Big Lent Walk in Nigeria

Photos of the CAFOD staff Big Lent Walk in Nigeria

Great to see our colleagues in Nigeria out adding to their #BigLentWalk totals! 💚

The team have been using their walks to raise awareness on Water Sanitation and Hygiene while physically standing in solidarity with the communities we serve.

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/

A person stands by a lush rambutan tree, smiling and holding a branch with ripe fruit. The date "Mar 11" is in the top right corner. Text on a purple background reads: "Gracious God, thank you for your loving laws. Help us to follow Jesus to fullness of living with you, our neighbours and all creation. Amen.

Today’s readings remind us that God gave the gift of the Law and the Prophets to guide people to live in peace, justice and faithfulness with each other and all of creation.

Today's reflection. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/11-march

A photo showing Zunayed and Bayezid in Bangladesh navigating a floating garden on a boat. "Donate today to help a family grow enough food where it seemed impossible."

In Bangladesh, large areas of fertile farmland were left underwater and unusable for months at a time by heavy rain and storms.

Local experts responded with floating plant beds so farming could continue. Donate this Lent to help your neighbours. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/lent-appeal

CAFOD receives a wooden tree sculpture from the organisers of the Our Solution festival in Goma. "Gentle God, thank you for the merc you never tire of offering us. Grant us the grace to be your forgiving and generous people, bringers of hope and peace. Amen."

Every day presents us with an opportunity to break cycles of resentment and retaliation.

In Goma, DR Congo, young people set up the Suluhisho ya Kwetu [Our Solution] festival to respond to challenges through art, dance, theatre, poetry and sport.

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/10-march

Middle East crisis spreads to Lebanon as Pope calls for peace The crisis unfolding across the Middle East has spread to Lebanon, with families forced to flee in search of safety.

Find out more about the current situation and how you can help.⬇️

cafod.org.uk/news/emergen...

Caritas members supporting communities in Lebanon

Caritas members supporting communities in Lebanon

Caritas members supporting communities in Lebanon

Caritas members supporting communities in Lebanon

In Lebanon, people are leaving their homes after strikes in the south, Bekaa and across the capital, Beirut.

Your support means that we’ve been able to send £150,000 to our trusted local partners. Our partner Caritas Lebanon has been responding with immediate emergency support.

Prayer for peace in the Middle East God of peace, bearer of hope, we seek your help for the peoples of the Middle East. Quiet the clamour of war and guide us towards peace. Where there is hatred and division sow seeds of calm and openness. Where there is destruction help us to rebuild. Where children are crying bring an end to tears. Shelter your peoples and protect them Guide them and keep them from harm. Show us how to break down the barriers of history and fear and breathe whispers of hope. Amen.

Pope Leo praying. A quote reads, "Deeply disturbing news continues to arrive from Iran and the entire Middle East. We lift up our humble prayer to the Lord, so that the thunderous sound of bombs may cease, weapons may fall silent, and a space for dialogue may open up in which the voice of the people can be heard." The quote is attributed to Pope Leo XIV. The CAFOD logo is present in the upper left corner.

As violence continues across the Middle East, families are living in fear and uncertainty. Homes and communities have been destroyed, forcing many to flee.

We join Pope Leo in praying for peace and for all those whose lives have been affected by the conflict.

A photo of CAFOD volunteer Queen holding a basket full of Family Fast Day envelopes. "No matter how little it is, each and ever individual will be able to do something."

The story about the dramatic healing of Naaman reminds us that God’s transformative work often begins with small actions and ordinary people.

Let's trust that our small actions of compassion and love can make a real difference.

Today's reflection. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/40cD1q8

Women are fighting for change this International Women’s Day. We are proud to stand together, believing in a better world.

Balasan Initiative for Human Rights founder Dalia Qumsieh shares her message to all women and girls with a passion for justice and human rights.

#IWD2026

A young woman writing on a blackboard during a literacy class in Sierra Leone.

Two young women looking at textbooks in a classroom.

A photo showing Shorai and Hamunyari stood outside with their children. They are advocates for positive shifts in gender norms with support from Caritas Chinhoyi.

A photo showing a group of women taking part in an event about defending Indigenous women’s rights in the Peruvian Amazon.

We believe a better world is possible. One in which women’s contributions are valued.

That's why we celebrate International Women's Day. More about the different areas we focus on in our gender justice work. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4r8HgxQ

📍 Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Peru

Women at a water tap in a nutritional garden in Zimbabwe. "Gracious God, we pray for women in the world, who show resilience in the face of challenges, who care for others and our common home, who show bother service and leadership. Amen."

It's International Women's Day - a reminder to recognise and affirm the gifts and value of all women, especially those who face oppression or injustice.

More on work in Zimbabwe to ensure women and girls have access to clean and safe water. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/8-march

A photo showing two figures embracing. It is The Return of the Prodigal Son sculpture by Charlie Mackesy. "Merciful God, thank you for the gifts of forgiveness and a new start. Help us to turn outwards, choosing mercy over judgement, relationship over division, and love over hate. Amen."

For our Lent reflection today, we look at example of the prodigal son.

We can allow our gratitude for God's mercy to turn our hearts outwards to our neighbours and the whole of creation.

Read more. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/7-march

Across the Middle East, families are once again facing violence, fear and uncertainty. Our partners are responding in Lebanon and Palestine.

Before recent developments, we asked Dalia from the Balasan Initiative for Human Rights about the conflict in Gaza and its impact on women in particular.

Bishop Paul Swarbrick holding up the CAFOD Lent Appeal poster.

Two women by a low table covered in CAFOD Lent Appeal materials.

Two women stood holding the Family Fast Day envelope in a church.

Family Fast Day was a week ago today and we're hugely grateful to all who helped bring it to life.

Our Lent Appeal remains open to help people keep growing enough food to eat when faced by challenges like flooding or too little rain.

Find out more. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/lent-appeal

A photo of a woman in a Caritas Ukraine vest speaking to another woman with both looking away from the camera. "They drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silvers." Genesis 37:28

In today’s first reading, we hear how Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery.

Today, more than 40 million people are victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. In our reflection, we look at the anti-trafficking work of partners in Ukraine. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/6-march

People in high vis vests unloading supplies from a van.

Staff moving boxes of supplies.

A view of the back of a staff member wearing a high vis vest.

Women writing on clipboards at the roadside.

Following the latest escalation of the regional conflict, in Lebanon tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes.

Our partners' staff are among the displaced but safe and responding. In particular, Basmeh and Zeitooneh
distributed meals to displaced families.

By using floating plant beds, Bayezid can keep growing vegetables when faced by flooding. 🛶

Your donations this Lent help more projects like this provide practical, long-term solutions around the world. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/40zkp3C

A photo of sixteen-year-old Bayezid tending his family’s floating garden in Bangladesh. "To save the environment, we must plant many trees and avoid water pollution. It is everyone's responsibility to plant trees. We all have to save the environment together."

Apart from God and people, the Bible mentions trees more than any other living thing. 🌳

In today's reflection, we look at the beautiful image described by Jeremiah and consider how trees can teach us about being a healing and generous presence. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/5-march

Cafod calls for debt relief for countries impacted by one year of ‘devastating’ UK aid cuts - The Tablet Director of Cafod Christine Allen has warned that the “devastating effects” of the cuts the UK made to international aid a year ago are palpable in some of

By introducing new regulations on private lenders, lives could be saved in the countries affected by UK aid cuts.

Read more in The Tablet about our new research. ⤵️

https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/cafod-urges-debt-relief-for-countries-impacted-by-one-year-of-devastating-uk-aid-cuts/

Slow down. Walk. Reflect. 💚

Use the Big Lent Walk as a way to step outside and reconnect with faith while joining thousands of others acting in solidarity with our global family.

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/

How debt relief could reverse the devastating consequences of UK aid cuts Exclusive: New analysis finds that debt relief for developing countries – which the UK could play a key role in orchestrating – could more than offset the impact of UK aid cuts. Nick Ferris reports

Exclusive on new analysis I did for @cafod.bsky.social in @the-independent.com finding that debt relief could help counteract devastating impacts of this govt’s ODA cuts, announced one year ago today. Hundreds of millions of lives & livelihoods are on the line. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...

A photo of a smiling man called Crispen Marufu in Zimbabwe. He is wearing a suit and a medallion. "For me, a better world needs all of us, means that I have a role to play...Each one of us has a role to play."

Crispen Marufu is a leader for a village of 85 families in Rushinga, north of Zimbabwe.

Alongside others, he works to address issues such as early marriage, gender-based violence and water insecurity.

Today's reflection on serving neighbours. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/4-march

Campaigners stand outside Downing Street ready to hand in the debt justice petition with a box that says "Over 68,000 demand action on the debt crisis." "Seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." Isaiah 1:17.

God’s concern for those experiencing poverty, for people marginalised and oppressed runs throughout the Bible.

Around one in ten people worldwide are estimated to live in extreme poverty. This Lent, let us consider structural injustice and act. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/3-march

A photo of Pope Leo XIV with a quote. It reads: "I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time. Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue."

On Sunday, Pope Leo expressed his concern about the military strikes taking place across the Middle East and Iran before appealing to all parties that they halt the spiral of violence.

He also encouraged all to keep praying for peace.

A photo of Obayedulin in Bangladesh propelling a small boat. "Just as I have improved my life with the help of Caritas, I hope that Caritas will train and make many more people self-reliant this way, so that poverty is eradicated."

Today in the gospel, we see a beautiful image of extravagant generosity.

Acts of generosity can and do make a difference. Obayedul recalls how training on using floating plant beds made an impact for him.

More. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/2-march

🙏 Pray with us this Lent. Thank you for putting faith in action over this Family Fast Day weekend. 💚

https://cafod.org.uk/fundraise/parishes/live-lent-with-cafod

A photo showing plants sprouting from the soil. "Glorious God, we give you thanks for glimpses of grace, for your abundant generosity and for the strength of your love. May we reflect your glory as we walk in your way. Amen"

In today’s gospel the disciples witness Jesus transfigured. Has he changed or have their eyes been opened to see him as he truly is?

In today's reflection, we ponder recognising how every person is beloved as we strive to recognise the beauty of all. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4cIjQMc

An illustration showing Saint David holding a basket full of vegetables. "St David gathered groups of monks and taught them to live very simple lives. While living very simple lives themselves, they did what they could to help others. The simple lives St David and his monks lived teach us to give to others and to be grateful for what we have."

Happy St David's Day!

Today, we can still feel motivated to follow his example of living simply and generously.

Harry Clark walking outside with students from St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School.

A photo with Harry Clark, staff from St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School and students who asked him questions.

Harry Clark on stage speaking to students.

Harry Clark speaking one-on-one to a student inside a church.

This week, Harry Clark was back at St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School to inspire students on the Big Lent Walk!

Anyone can still sign up and take on 200km this Lent while raising funds for life-saving clean water 💧

Let’s do this together. ⤵️

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/

A photo of a repaired, blue roof.

A photo showing a bowl of ingredients in a temporary kitchen.

In November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah was Sri Lanka's worst natural disaster in decades.

In response, we've worked with partners to repair roofs, set up temporary kitchens, accommodation and more. Learn more about the cyclone and our work since. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4pTQzSd