In a solemn Eucharistic Mass celebrated by Bishop Justin Ain Soongie, Auxiliary Bishop of the Wabag Diocese and Bishop Deputy of Caritas Papua New Guinea (CPNG), the Lenten Appeal was launched at the Mary Help of Christians Parish, Sabama, on Sunday February 18th, 2024.
In his homily, Bp. Justin said Lent is a time to personally plan out our lives and be prepared for deep reflection and prayer as we journey with the Lord for 40 days in the desert.
Referencing the 3 elements of Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, he said, “We deny the pleasures we enjoy so that we think more of others and their needs while we reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus.”
“The Lenten Appeal collection assists those in need during a natural disaster. The money that you contribute goes a long way in providing basic supplies for our brothers and sisters who may be affected by an earthquake or flood and will need food, medical supplies, or blankets. Giving is a way of accompanying our prayers with goodworks,” he added.
During the actual launch, Ms. Mavis Tito, National Director of CPNG gave an account of the collection of the previous year and reported on the relief assistance that CPNG was able to conduct because of the almsgiving and personal sacrifice individuals had made through their Lenten Appeal envelopes. She expressed her gratitude on behalf of the organization and encouraged parishioners to give generously towards this year’s appeal.
The Lenten Appeal begins on Ash Wednesday and runs for six weeks during the Lenten Season and is an annual fundraising drive to help raise funds for relief assistance during a natural calamity. In 2023, the Lenten Appeal supported response efforts for natural disasters in Bougainville Diocese (Mt Bagana volcano), Mendi Diocese (landslips in Wiliame Parish) and Alotau Diocese (prolonged drought in Watuluma Parish).
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