Sunday, March 13, 2022   
Explanation of the Solidarity Symbol  
for the second Sunday of our Share Lent Campaign  
the Ukrainian Flag  
 
Today, our Ukrainian symbol represents the emergency and humanitarian assistance provided by Development and Peace-Caritas Canada. We could just as easily have brought the flags of Yemen, Colombia, Bangladesh, Sudan or others.   As a Canadian member of Caritas International, Development and Peace responds to the emergencies of vulnerable communities as in Ukraine these days. At other times, it helps meet the basic needs of peoples affected by climate change, natural disasters, forced immigration and the impacts of the pandemic. Responding to humanitarian crises is an important part of Development and Peace's mandate. We do so through Caritas, a Catholic network of 165 member countries based at the Vatican. Deposited donations are immediately transferred to Caritas International or to the country in crisis. 
 
Moreover, Development and Peace responds to the emergencies of its own partners. The pandemic increased poverty, hunger, conflicts and gender inequality in many Global South communities. Our partners had to adapt quickly to new challenges.  Thanks to its emergency fund, D&P was able to quickly support and strengthen the local actions of these communities.  More than one million dollars supported 18 projects in 14 countries. Thank you to all of you who, through your Share Lent donations, or other, are responding to emergency and humanitarian needs. Thank you!  
 
Let us pray: Lord, grant us the strength and wisdom to put people and the planet first in our daily lives.