EUROPE/GERMANY - German Bishops launch annual Lenten Campaign: “United we share. United we fight disease”

Tuesday, 8 February 2005

Friburg (Fides Service) - “United we share. United we fight disease” is the theme of the annual Lenten Campaign launched by Misereor, the humanitarian agency of the Catholic Bishops of Germany, which will open officially on Sunday 13 February with a Mass in Friburg Cathedral. The Mass will be presided by Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Friburg, and a number of bishops and priests from mission territories.
Poverty makes people sick and sickness makes people poor. This vicious circle is experienced by people in poor countries. Commitment to improve health also includes better and more just structures. Together with Misereor the German Bishops call on German Catholics to promote this commitment. The Lenten campaign this year promotes the right of every individual to health. “Our help is needed. Our Lenten campaign relies on people committed to promoting a more just world!” Archbishop Robert Zollitsch writes in a letter presenting the Misereor campaign.
Various initiatives and events have been organised for the next forty days of Lent in dioceses all over Germany. In particular initiatives and campaigns involving children and young people to increase awareness of the question of health in the world. On the last Sunday before Easter collections in all parishes will go to support the Misereor campaign.
Every year with a six week campaign for Lent Misereor calls Catholic and general public attention to problems in poor countries. The German Bishops encouraged their people to experience how fasting and sharing helps to broaden horizons and open hearts to the suffering of others and to take action to alleviate this pain with works of solidarity. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 07/02/3005 - 24 righe, 296 parole)


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