Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Lent is a time of fasting, giving and anticipation. It is also a special time to remember God’s presence in the poor, which encourages us to act with charity, generosity and justice. This Lent, Bishops across Canada continue their yearly tradition of inviting the faithful to be in solidarity with the poor by giving generously to the Share Lent fundraising campaign of Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, the official organization of the Catholic Church in Canada for international solidarity and development.

In Dilexi Te, the first apostolic exhortation from Pope Leo XIV, the Holy Father calls our attention once more to the preferential option for the poor, a core component of Catholic Social Teaching. To say that God has a preference for the poor does not mean he excludes people. Rather, Pope Leo XIV explains, “wanting to inaugurate a kingdom of justice, fraternity and solidarity, God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.” (§16)

By giving generously to Development and Peace – Caritas Canada’s Solidarity Sunday Collection on 22 March 2026 Canadians can support communities, organizations, farmers, humanitarian workers and so many others who are making such a decisive and radical choice in some of the world’s most challenging situations.

Among them is Justiça nos Trilhos, or “Justice on the Rails,” a grassroots movement in Brazil founded by the Comboni missionaries that supports communities impacted by a train  transporting minerals from a mine in Pará across 892 kilometers to a port in Maranhão. Communities along the tracks are affected by pollution, significant noise and vibrations so severe that they cause cracks in nearby homes. With help, these communities have been able to stand up for themselves and, where necessary, relocate and rebuild.

Development and Peace – Caritas Canada has titled its campaign On Track for Justice to emphasize that by giving to Share Lent, we are all able to join these courageous efforts, along with many others around the world.

As we await Christ’s Passion and resurrection, let us prepare our hearts by joining Development and Peace – Caritas Canada and share our fate and our resources with all those who work for justice and peace.

Fraternally in our Lord,

+ Pierre Goudreault
Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière
President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops