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Tokens of friendship from Caritas Jerusalem

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Here at Caritas Westminster, the scope of our mission is predominantly contained within the Diocese of Westminster. But although our focus is local, we are also conscious that we are part of an international family – Caritas Internationalis – that reaches far beyond our 16 London Boroughs, one district council and the county of Hertfordshire.

From its humble beginnings as a local Church-run social action agency in Cologne in 1897, Caritas has spread across the globe, and is now actively present in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. That’s why when members of our team spot other Caritas agencies while abroad, we say we’ve found our ‘Caritas cousins!’ 

Bishop Jim with Sr Silvana

The idea was for bishops from countries that have historically influenced events in the Holy Land to organise these themselves, emphasising their respective pastoral activities and concerns. Their united, regular presence in the region would also serve as a reminder of the hardships faced by our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.  

During this year’s visit, the bishops examined how the Church responds to the needs of its people, in response to the call to serve as a beacon of hope for those in need. Among their discussions was an update from Fr Gabriel Romanelli and his parishioners at Holy Family Church in Gaza, who have continued to receive video calls and messages from Pope Francis while he has been in hospital.

Among the gifts Bishop Jim brought us were a small cross and Caritas Jerusalem logo, both made with olive wood from Bethlehem, where Love became flesh.

These two tokens now have pride of place in the Caritas Westminster office; reminding us to pray for our ‘Caritas cousins,’ and of our shared mission to bring to others the same self-giving love we find on the Cross. Whether it’s in the Holy Land or one of the many areas of danger and suffering around the world, it is those who put love – Caritas – into action that bring the healing presence of Christ to all those they serve.  

Header photo: Caritas Jerusalem


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