Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago (Fides Service) - “Don’t shut us out” is the slogan of the annual Lenten Fraternity Campaign promoted by the Catholic Church in Chile which this year 2006 will be in aid of children violated in their rights. The Church in Chile estimates that in Chile at least 200,000 boys and girls under six years of age live in conditions of vulnerability and social risk which are a threat to their growth and development. These children live the situation of suffering of their families, alcoholism, drug abuse, abandonment and other traumas which have a negative impact on their person and their development.
The money collected during this year’s campaign will fund programmes to offer opportunities to these children in view of a better future. Programmes supported will have to be long term interventions. Diocesan Social Pastoral offices will oversee correct use of donations offered for these the programmes.
The Lenten Fraternity Campaign which involves all the dioceses of Chile was started in 1982 to help the faithful prepare more intensely for Holy Week and the celebration of Easter with prayer and sacrifices and acts of charity. The Bishops underlined in fact that the campaign should also encourage Chileans to pray more frequently and confidently so that the campaign is a concrete expression of spiritual life and as a result greater awareness of the needs of others and willingness to practice charity towards the needy. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 3/2/2006 - righe 21, parole 302)
