Caritas India launched its annual Lenten Campaign on 18 February 2024 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi. Archbishop Most Rev. Anil Couto, also the Secretary-General of CCBI, presided over the ceremony, marking the beginning of a nationwide initiative to combat hunger and disease.

The theme of this year’s Lenten Campaign, “Fraternity in Humanity, Together with Everyone,” resonates with a commitment to fostering unity and solidarity in the face of challenging circumstances. The ceremony commenced with a solemn mass, during which Archbishop Couto emphasized the imperative of reaching out to the poor and needy, highlighting the significance of sharing resources to assist those in need.

The event witnessed the presence of eminent clergy members, including Fr. (Dr.) Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary-General of CCBI, and Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenura, Assistant Executive Director, Caritas India, Fr Sunil Crasta, Director, Chetanalaya, Delhi, Fr Sunil Augustine, Director Faridabad Social Service Society, Fr Maria Charles, S.D.B., Secretary, CBCI Office for Education, Fr George Nirapukalayil, Secretary, CBCI Office for Labour, Fr Sushil Modi, Administrator, Caritas India and Fr. Francis Swaminathan, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi.

Archbishop Couto unveiled the campaign poster, encapsulating the culture of care and social dialogue by promoting fraternity and social friendship to establish a new order of peace and justice.
In his address, the Archbishop reiterated that the campaign is an earnest attempt by the Catholic Church in India to express solidarity with humanity, especially the suffering, marginalized, and poor. He appealed to people of goodwill to make the campaign spiritually and materially successful by sharing resources with others.

Caritas India, mandated by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, collaborated with the Social Service of Development in the Northern Region for this year’s campaign. The launch featured a diverse range of initiatives, including free health checkups, showcasing sustainability efforts by Chetanalaya, collaboration with the National Eye Bank AIIMS, and exhibitions highlighting Gram Nirman and Kushal Bachpan programs.

A unique feature of the launch was the collaboration with the Nurses Association of Sacred Heart Cathedral, offering free health checkups, including blood pressure and sugar tests, prioritizing community well-being. Chetanalaya showcased a diverse array of upcycled products, intricately crafted jute items, and vibrant plants, emphasizing environmental consciousness and community empowerment.

The Lenten Campaign, encompassing diverse initiatives and side events, successfully engaged communities, addressed social issues, and promoted compassion. Through the Sharing Community strategy pillars, Caritas India aimed to encourage Religious Congregations and Lay Faithful within the Diocese to demonstrate solidarity with the poor through Lenten almsgiving and resource sharing.

Simultaneously, the State Lenten campaign launch has commenced PAN INDIA, collaborating with Diocesan and Regional Fora, to unite and demonstrate compassion during the observance of Lent through Almsgiving. Caritas India’s Lenten Campaign, with its diverse range of initiatives, reflects a shared commitment to positive change and community empowerment, inspiring reflection on personal values and encouraging practical steps towards building a more inclusive and compassionate society.