Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Canberra (Agenzia Fides) - Australia will live a national week of anti-poverty mobilisation 14 to 21 October in view of the UN World Anti-Poverty Day on 17 October. The local Catholic Church is fully involved in the initiative.
The aims of the week long campaign include: increase understanding of poverty and its consequences in Australia and in the rest of the world; encourage research, discussion, concrete action to fight poverty and need through collaboration among institutions, religious communities, civil society bodies and volunteer organisations; identify specific forms of intervention and involvement for Catholic individuals and communities and the local and world level, tackling the problems from a Christian viewpoint and according to the logic of the Gospel.
Individuals, associations, parishes and schools are encouraged to organise activities and events to increase awareness on these issues during the Anti-Poverty Week. Many communities and institutions have already pledged involvement. Initiatives include conferences, street demonstrations, meetings with school students. There will also be special prayers, Masses and ecumenical services. The anti-poverty week initiative is supported by the local Catholic Church and the Australian Council of Churches.
The St Vincent de Paul Society in the diocese of Wollongong has launched a special animation programme for remote rural areas re-launching intervention for social development. Parades, concerts and exhibitions will be organised in dioceses across the country. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/10/2007 righe 25 parole 252)
