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Sunday 30 November
First Sunday of Advent
“We are all the work
of your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8
Welcome!
In this year’s Advent calendar
we will hear the stories of young
people who are doing amazing
things in their communities.
In England and Wales and
overseas, they are changing the
world for the better and making
a real difference, locally and
globally.
Along with prayer and reflection,
there will also be opportunities
for you to find out more and to
take action.
We will also catch up with baby
Jansel from Guatemala – who
featured in last year’s calendar.
Isaiah reminds us that we are
all the work of God’s hands. This
means we all have dignity. If we
truly believe this, it affects the
way we treat everyone.
How will I respect the dignity of
other people today?
Creator God, this Advent, as I hear
the stories of young people who
work to uphold the dignity of
others, inspire me to do the same.
Amen.
Watch a video introducing Jansel and Santa.
Share a meal with your family today.
“We are all the work
of your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8
Monday 1 December
Fabulous football
Rodrigo plays football in a project
run by our partner, GCASC, in
Peixinhos, Brazil. He takes part in
‘conversation circles’ before and
after football games to debate
issues such as drugs, respect and
solidarity. This has helped to
bring together rival communities:
“I want to help my community...
I want to work in the streets so
that other guys don’t get
involved in drugs and violence
early, so they have something to
occupy the mind.”
Rodrigo (18)
“When Jesus went into
Capernaum, a centurion came
up and pleaded with him.”
Matthew 8:5
Coming together with people
from different communities with
different views can be difficult.
Jesus was amazed at the faith of
the foreign soldier who asked
healing for his Jewish servant.
“When Jesus went into
Capernaum, a centurion came
up and pleaded with him.”
Am I as open to help people
who are different from me?
Lord, you ate and drank with
outcasts, spoke to foreigners and
healed their sick. Thank you for
those people today who refuse to live
in fear and prejudice. Amen.
Find out about the World Gift ‘fabulous football’.
Think of ways sport can be used to build community.
Matthew 8:5
Tuesday 2 December
“Happy the eyes that see what
you see.”
Luke 10:23
World Gifts
During Lent, Alice and her friend
Freya from Aldridge raised £100
to buy a cow from our World
Gifts range for a family
overseas:
“We wanted to do something
that would challenge us for the
whole of Lent, not just an hour
or a day... We gave up treats…
offered our time to do jobs at
home and at school... left a
specially designed money tin in
the staff room… Everyone has
been amazing.”
Alice
World Gifts are a way to provide
a useful gift for someone in a
developing country on behalf of
a friend or family member here.
“Happy the eyes that see what
you see.”
The disciples were blessed to
see Jesus and all that he was
doing but today we can still see
Jesus at work in the loving
actions of others.
Where have I seen Jesus today?
Lord, open my eyes to spot you in
the quiet people and unsuspected
places. Amen.
Could a group of you buy a World Gift for Christmas?
Order a wallchart and create a virtual village.
Luke 10:23
Wednesday 3 December
“I do not want to
send them off hungry.”
Matthew 15:32
Held to account
In March, CAFOD took 42 young
people from around the UK to
meet their MPs at Parliament.
“We sat down in our very own
debating room with ministers...
and other MPs. We discussed
topics from poverty in Britain to
poverty abroad and it was
inspirational. Seeing so many
young people just like me join
together to serve a common
purpose was amazing.”
Monica, 17, Northampton
Monica and Emilie
Monica also said: “It helped
us to think about others and
how we can affect the lives of
small-scale farmers in positive
and negative ways, for
example... through lobbying our
MPs and acting together to
change the world we live in.”
“I do not want to
send them off hungry.”
Matthew 15:32
Next year there will be a
General Election. You are
tomorrow’s voters - politicians
care about what you think!
Lord, thank you that my words
and actions can influence others.
Help me to influence political and
other leaders to act for the good of
my sisters and brothers. Amen.
Monica and Emilie
See what happened on the visit to Parliament.
Write a letter to your MP. We can help you to do this.
Thursday 4 December
“...like a sensible man who built
his house on rock.”
Matthew 7:24
Dig Deep
In Lent we told the story of
Mohammed in Sierra Leone who
has helped his community to
transform swampland into fertile
fields to provide food.
14-year-old Mohammed labours
in the fields: “I don’t daydream
much. I can’t, it’s hard work, I
have to concentrate. I work
with a machete and it’s very
dangerous.”
His mother says: “I am very
proud of him… In fact, he
doesn’t complain, he just comes
to work.”
During Lent, like the wise man
building on rock and like all who
hear Jesus’ words and act on
them, Mohammed and
supporters in England and Wales
made sure to ‘Dig Deep’. They
were laying firm foundations for
the future so that many more
people would have food to get
them through Sierra Leone’s
annual ‘hungry season’.
“...like a sensible man who built
his house on rock.”
Do I act on Jesus’ words?
Jesus, you are the Way, the Truth
and the Life. Help me to build for
the future on the firm rock of your
word. Amen.
Watch a video about Mohammed.
Remind each other of what you did for Lent this year.
Matthew 7:24
Friday 5 December
“Do you believe
that I can do this?
Matthew 9:28
Running London
The youngest runner in this
year’s London marathon was
Tom Jarvis, who postponed his
eighteenth birthday celebrations
to race and raise money for our
Dig Deep Lent campaign.
“I’ve got some bad blisters, and
it was pretty hot, but overall I’m
feeling okay! The crowd support
out there was amazing, and the
CAFOD cheering spots really
made a difference.”
Tom Jarvis
Tom’s young age captured the
media’s attention – he was
interviewed by BBC Breakfast at
the start line and had his photo
taken with Michael Owen.
In today’s reading, Jesus
challenges the disciples to
believe. Tom believed he could
do the marathon, but also that
he could help other people
through it.
Do I believe God can use me?
Lord, help me to believe in you and
help me to believe in the amazing
things you can do through me.
Amen.
Find out about our Team CAFOD events.
Tell a friend that he or she is amazing!
“Do you believe
that I can do this?
Matthew 9:28
Saturday 6 December
“You received without charge,
give without charge.”
Matthew 10:8
John Manuel
The month before Christmas 2013,
Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines.
As well as rescuing his pet dog,
Bruno, John Manuel helped a sick and
partially paralysed neighbour to
escape by keeping his head above the
flood waters:
“I just held him, even when he
passed out. I was crying and praying.
Then my dad came back. He saved
us.”
John Manuel
In response to the generosity of
those who supported the
emergency appeal, John Manuel
said: “Thank you to all those
people who helped. Without
those donations we would be
going back to zero.”
“You received without charge,
give without charge.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells
the disciples to give generously.
Do I give without counting the
cost?
Loving God, everything I have and
am is a gift from you. Bless me too
with a generous heart. Amen.
Watch John Manuel talking, a year after the typhoon.
Find out about an emergency that is happening now.
Matthew 10:8
Sunday 7 December
Second Sunday of Advent
“’Console my people, console them’,
says your God.”
Isaiah 40:1
Emergency!
This time last year, the media
was still full of images of the
typhoon in the Philippines.
Students from St Bonaventure’s,
London fundraised to help and in
January they came to CAFOD to
see how their money was spent.
“I used to think that all they did
was just go to a country and
help with food, but actually
there’s more to it…” Jordan
“I didn’t realise there was so
much involved!” John
The boys were amazed to learn
how complex an emergency
response can be.
“’Console my people, console them’,
says your God.”
Isaiah tells us to console God’s
people, but later explains that
it involves hard work - valleys
filled in and hills laid low.
CAFOD does not just send food
or money to an affected
country. We work with local
communities through partners,
helping them as they rebuild
their lives. This is harder but
has lasting impact.
Lord, bless those working hard in
all emergency situations this
Christmas to rebuild their
communities . Amen.
Watch the video… and identify the famous narrator!
Play the board game Flood!
Isaiah 40:1
Monday 8 December
Feast: Immaculate Conception
“She was greatly troubled by
these words.”
Luke 1:29
Bethlehem girl
Orianna lives in Bethlehem.
She volunteers with Caritas
Jerusalem, a CAFOD partner,
taking part in a range of
activities from cleaning up the
environment to helping with
clothes and food donation
campaigns.
“I volunteer because I believe
that God has given me a life
which is much better than many
others’. This belief continues to
motivate me to take action.”
Orianna
Today’s feast day reminds us
that Mary was without sin from
the first moment of her
existence. But that does not
mean she had an easy time! As
Luke’s gospel tells us, “She was
greatly troubled.”
“She was greatly troubled by
these words.”
In recent months we have seen
how the land in which Mary lived
and Orianna still lives is also
greatly troubled.
Today, how will I spread peace?
Lord Jesus, you can turn a storm
into calm. Breathe your Spirit on
the troubled waters of the Middle
East and bring peace. Amen.
Find out what has been happening in Gaza.
Say “Peace” as a greeting to someone today.
Luke 1:29
Tuesday 9 December
Shout!
In July, Rheanna and 57 other
sixth form students from Clifton
and Hallam completed a yearlong CAFOD leadership course.
They came to our London office
to receive their certificates from
our Director, Chris Bain.
“CAFOD is important; it helps us
relate to our brothers and sisters
around the world and helps
them become self-sufficient to
provide for their families and
communities.”
Rheanna
“Shout without fear,
say to the towns of Judah,
‘Here is your God’”
Isaiah 40:9
Rheanna believes that God is
present in everyone, but
especially in the poorest people;
and she is not afraid to say so.
Speaking of the poor, Pope
Francis said: ”We are called to
find Christ in them, to lend our
voice to their causes.”
How can I recognise God and
shout out: ‘God is here!’?
Lord, thank you for all the people
in my life who have shown me that
you are alive. Help me to do the
same for others. Amen.
Follow us @CAFOD on Twitter.
Thank someone who has shown you God’s love.
“Shout without fear,
say to the towns of Judah,
‘Here is your God’”
Isaiah 40:9
Wednesday 10 December
“My yoke is easy and my
burden light.”
Matthew 11:30
Speak up!
Alexis (14) helps at the local
community radio station in
Guarjila, El Salvador:
“I’m a radio volunteer and I
respond to the kind of things
the community ask...
If there is some need for raising
awareness, for example about
HIV, the clinic is always asking
us to do radio spots about that.
Also, about the environment.
And we raise awareness about
social problems here - for
example, drugs, alcohol
problems...”
Alexis is a normal teenager who
enjoys football and attending a
local youth group; but life is not
always easy. In hard times,
Alexis says his faith has helped:
“My yoke is easy and my
burden light.”
“When I lost a relative who I
loved very much, Jesus helped
me to get through that time.
When my brother went to
hospital... and in many other
things.”
Do I let Jesus lighten my
burden?
Lord, lift my burden today and
help me to lift other people’s burdens
with your help. Amen.
Find out about El Salvador, where Alexis lives.
Tell a local radio station about your CAFOD activities.
Matthew 11:30
Thursday 11 December
“I will help you - it is the Lord
who speaks”
Isaiah 41:13
Inspiring others
In March, Ciaran from St Peter’s
secondary school in Guildford
spoke at his local parish about
the needs of the world and
CAFOD’s work. His talk was so
good that he inspired action:
“I really wanted to do something
for CAFOD after listening to
Ciaran. A sponsored run seemed
the best way for me and my
friends to do some good and
raise money to help others.”
Madeleine (8)
Ciaran had hoped his talk would
inspire people to donate to the
collection at Mass that day – he
had no idea how inspiring he
was! Madeleine and her friends
Ania and Charlotte organised
their own three-mile sponsored
run around Godalming and
raised more than £500.
“I will help you - it is the Lord
who speaks”
Who can I inspire today?
Lord, I will trust that you are
always there to help me when I
choose to step beyond my fears.
You can work miracles. Amen.
Read a blog about Ciaran’s impact.
Find out how you can ‘speak up’ with CAFOD.
Isaiah 41:13
Friday 12 December
“I lead you in the way that you
must go”.”
Isaiah 48:17
Maristely
Maristely lives in a favela in São
Paulo. Her community has been
working with CAFOD partner
MDF to improve the favela and
the lives of those who live in it:
“Being part of MDF has given me
awareness of my dignity as a
person. I have learned a lot
about the problems we have in
our society. I know that to live
in a favela is nothing to be
ashamed of. Because of my
perseverance, I live in a better
place.”
Maristely
When Jesus came to dwell
among us he was not born in a
palace but in a poor stable. And
he still lives in the favelas of
Brazil, in the slums of Nairobi
and among the homeless in our
own cities.
“I lead you in the way that you
must go”.”
The reading reminds us that
God will lead us as we try to live
our call.
Do I recognise his face?
Lord, Pope Francis says there is a
‘mysterious wisdom’ that God
wishes to share with us through the
poor. Help me to discover that
wisdom. Amen.
Watch the Fair play or foul video about Maristely.
Caritas Australia has also filmed her community!
Isaiah 48:17
Saturday 13 December
Brazil cup song
Ellie is CAFOD ambassador at
St Vincent’s retreat centre in
Whitstable. She helps to build
global justice into the retreats
and suggest ways that people
can put their faith into action.
In June, Ellie helped teach our
World Cup song to thousands of
young people, raising awareness
of inequality in Brazil:
”CAFOD's video of Maristely, a
young leader in Brazil, blew me
away! It gives so much hope for
anyone who questions being
able to make a difference in this
world!”
Ellie
“Give us life that we may call
upon your name
Psalm 79:18
Although the world’s media
spotlight has moved away from
Brazil, CAFOD partners continue
to work for justice among its
poorest people.
“Give us life that we may call
upon your name
They need our support, but they
also have a lot to teach us.
What do I need to learn today?
God of surprises, help me to see
your presence in unlikely people
and be humble enough to listen.
Amen.
Watch the World cup song video featuring Ellie.
Can you write a song about justice?
Psalm 79:18
Sunday 14 December
Third Sunday of Advent
“He has sent me to bring good
news to the poor”
Isaiah 61:1
From the heart
Laura is mayoress of her
school’s student council in a
shanty town in Lima, Peru.
Last year, the student council
consulted every class and found
that the biggest need was for
computers. They competed in a
debate with other schools in the
area for funding… and won!
“For me, the main qualities of a
leader are to be honest and to
work with others, not alone.
Leadership should be voluntary
and from the heart.” Laura (16)
When Jesus read out in the
synagogue Isaiah’s words from
today’s reading, he said “Today,
this scripture has been fulfilled.”
“He has sent me to bring good
news to the poor”
Those attending Laura’s school
are among the poorest in Peru.
Laura and her fellow councillors
tried to serve them and brought
good news through their hard
work. When she found out they
had won the funding, Laura was
so happy, she cried.
What good news can I bring to
others today?
Lord, may I bring good news to the
poor through my life. Amen.
Contact your local CAFOD office and offer to help.
Follow us @CAFOD on Instagram.
Isaiah 61:1
Monday 15 December
“He guides the humble
in the right path”
Psalm 24:9
Go forward!
James visited El Salvador in
January as part of our gap year
programme.
He was inspired by a meeting
with Carlos, who drives an
ambulance at the clinic set up
by his community in Guarjila:
“He has not had it easy, but he
told us his motto, to ‘go forward
in spite of the adversities you
face and never stop striving’.”
James Budzynski-Seymour
James and Carlos
Carlos’ community listened to
scripture and to the needs of the
poorest people and, with CAFOD
support, they set up a clinic
which now serves an area of
19,000 people.
“He guides the humble
in the right path”
Psalm 24:9
It can be hard to know which
way to go when we’re faced with
difficult situations.
Today’s psalm reminds us that
God will guide us if we are
humble enough to listen.
Lord, guide me in the decisions I
make. Help me to recognise your
voice, in scripture and in others,
and to act on it. Amen.
Oscar Romero is El Salvador’s hero. Find out why.
Spend a minute in silence today, listening to God.
James and Carlos
Tuesday 16 December
Use your gifts!
After a CAFOD volunteer spoke
at their school, Samantha and
Phoebe from Grays Convent
School in Brentwood put
together their own film packed
with simple tips for making a
difference to the world.
“Get involved! Your time is the
most valuable gift you have to
offer… as Dr Seuss said,
‘Unless someone like you cares a
whole awful lot,
nothing’s going to get better.
It’s not.’”
Phoebe and Samantha
“The son said ‘I will not go’ but
afterwards thought better of it and
went… Which of the two did the
father’s will?”
Matthew 21:31
Jesus told the story of a father
who asked his two sons to work
in the vineyard. One said yes
but did not go, the other said
no, but later went and worked.
“The son said ‘I will not go’ but
afterwards thought better of it and
went… Which of the two did the
father’s will?”
Advent is a good time to
remember the times we have
not done what we promised…
and to get on with it!
My actions count. What have I
neglected to do?
Lord, I’m sorry that I don’t always
fulfil my promises. Give me the
determination I need to serve others
as you did. Amen.
Watch Samantha and Phoebe’s video.
Make your own list of ways you can change the world.
Matthew 21:31
Wednesday 17 December
“...from the Babylonian deportation
to Christ, fourteen generations”
Matthew 1:17
Great Generation
Yara, a local sixth former, helped
in the CAFOD Leeds office during
the summer. She also spent time
with us in London to work on our
Great Generation pages and enews.
“I think young people should
take action for a better world
because we are the future.
We want a better world for
ourselves and for the next
generations to come.”
Yara (17)
God spent many generations
preparing his people for the
coming Messiah. God sees the
big picture. Too often, we focus
only on our own concerns.
“...from the Babylonian deportation
to Christ, fourteen generations”
Let’s try to see with God’s eyes
today, so that we can see the
big picture too.
What kind of world would I like
to leave for the next generation?
Lord, thank you for your gifts,
given for us all to share. Keep me
awake to the needs of my sisters
and brothers. Amen.
Catch up with CAFOD on our Facebook page and
describe to us the world you’d like to help create.
Matthew 1:17
Thursday 18 December
“...she was found to be with child
through the Holy Spirit”
Matthew 1:18
Women’s rights
Ahmad lives in a Palestinian
refugee camp in Lebanon. Many
women in the camp experience
discrimination daily.
Our partner, Association
Najdeh, puts on interactive
theatre shows - a safe
environment where issues like
domestic violence and women’s
rights can be discussed.
“In our society there is
intolerance; also customs and
traditions are overwhelming.”
Ahmad, 17
Ahmad attended two shows, as
they looked like fun, but the
message hit home and he has
tried to tackle his friends on
their behaviour towards women.
“...she was found to be with child
through the Holy Spirit”
Now he says, “There should be
no discrimination between men
and women... then we can say it
is a good society.”
Do I treat others as equals?
St. Joseph, thank you for taking
Mary into your home and caring
for her, despite what society might
think. May I too seek to do what is
right, not what is expected. Amen.
Find out about MDG3 and whether it is achieved.
Do a kind act for a female relative today.
Matthew 1:18
Friday 19 December
“I am Gabriel...
I have been sent to speak to you”
Luke 1:19
Messengers of hope
In July, Olivia attended a
conference led by CAFOD Wales
to find out more and to develop
leadership skills, including
learning ideas for inspiring
others and for making
presentations clear and
engaging. Now she says she
wants to help more:
“It truly made me realise that
it’s the small things like sharing
a photo on twitter or a simple
assembly in front of your year
that can really make a big
difference!”
In today’s reading, the angel
Gabriel was sent to speak to
Zechariah. Angel means
‘messenger’.
“I am Gabriel...
I have been sent to speak to you”
We too are called to be
messengers, in word and deed,
since Jesus told his disciples
“you are my witnesses”.
What message will others hear
through my words and actions
today?
Lord, thank you that I have a voice
and the freedom to use it. Help me
to speak up for justice and for what
is right. Amen.
View pictures of the conference Olivia attended.
Send a Christmas message to someone who’s lonely.
Luke 1:19
Saturday 20 December
“The Lord’s is… the world
and all its peoples.”
Psalm 23:1
Help each other
Martin attends lives in a shanty
town in Lima, Peru.
He is campaigning to set up a
local skate board park.
“I want the skaters to have
somewhere nearby to go, so
they don’t have to go to faraway
and dangerous places. I think I’ll
convince the authorities because
they’ll realise that, even if they
couldn’t achieve their dreams,
they should let others do so.”
Martin (17)
Although Martin and his friends
enjoy similar things to young
people in the UK, they have far
less. But Martin’s message to
young people in the UK is: “If
you have something you want to
do, do it… and help each other
to achieve your dreams”.
“The Lord’s is… the world
and all its peoples.”
Today’s psalm reminds us that
everyone – anywhere in the
world – belongs to the Lord.
How will I help others around
the world achieve their dreams?
Lord, may my dreams inspire me
to share your love with others.
Amen.
If you don’t have one, request a CAFOD collection
box today by emailing
[email protected]
To help others, save money by forgoing a treat.
Psalm 23:1
Sunday 21 December
Fourth Sunday of Advent
“I will be a father to him
and he a son to me.”
2 Samuel 7:14
Rap for a reason
During Lent, Sacha and Jamie
from Coventry wrote and
recorded a rap, “Why”, as part of
their school’s fundraising for
CAFOD.
“I visited Uganda last summer
and saw a lot of suffering
children. I thought it was unfair
that people born there are not
as fortunate as people born in
Coventry.”
Sacha, 10
God told King David that his heir
would also be God’s son. This
came true centuries later in a
greater way than David could
ever have imagined when Jesus,
David’s descendant and the Son
of God, was born in Bethlehem.
“I will be a father to him
and he a son to me.”
Through Jesus, we too have
become heirs of the Kingdom.
How will I live my nobility
today?
Son of God, my brother,
in everything I do, help me to treat
every person with the respect they
deserve. Amen.
Watch Sacha and Jamie performing their rap.
Write your own rap with our Change your tune session.
2 Samuel 7:14
Monday 22 December
“...the rich sent empty away”
Luke 1:53
Sharing peace
In Sri Lanka, after a 25-year
conflict ending in 2009, tensions
between different ethnic groups
still continue.
Maseeha, who is in Year 13,
received training in non-violent
communication (NVC) from our
partner, CCT.
“I was able to introduce NVC to
my community by forming
practice groups in the school…
Subsequently, I helped establish
groups with friends living close
to my home.”
Maseeha says that when she
and her friends discuss their
issues in the NVC groups they
feel that they are living in a
different environment.
“...the rich sent empty away”
Mary’s hymn of praise in today’s
reading is also about creating a
different environment – one
where the proud are scattered
and the lowly are lifted up.
Facing up to injustice is the first
step towards real peace.
What does God want to change
around me? Will I help?
Lord, Pope Francis says, “Peacemaking calls for courage, much
more so than warfare”. Give me the
courage to be a peacemaker. Amen.
Read reflections from a visit to Sri Lanka last Easter.
Make peace this Advent with someone you have hurt.
Luke 1:53
Tuesday 23 December
“What will this child turn out to be?”
Luke 1:66
Fasting challenge
Earlier this year, Julia from the
Youth Mission Team near
Newcastle, challenged herself to
live on £1 a day for five days.
“My five days were tough... and
every day that goes by I try to
spend at least a few minutes
remembering all those who had
to continue living this challenge
when I finished it last Tuesday.
It made me more aware of the
challenges they face but also of
the price of food.”
Julia Corcoran
Julia realised that her challenge
was far smaller than challenges
faced daily by families she had
met in Sierra Leone on CAFOD’s
gap year programme.
“What will this child turn out to be?”
The child in today’s reading
grew up to be John the Baptist,
who Jesus called the greatest
person ever born.
All children, wherever they live,
have the right to enough
nourishing food so that they can
grow into whatever God is
calling them to be.
Lord, help us all to work for a world
where every child can grow up with
enough to eat and can live life to
the full. Amen.
Read Julia’s blog about her £1 a day challenge.
Share your lunch with someone today.
Luke 1:66
Wednesday 24 December
“For he has visited his people…”
Luke 1:68
Firewood
Nicholas lives in Kenya. You will
hear more about his community
in January when we launch our
new One climate, one world
campaign to young people.
Nicholas’ mum cooks school
lunches on an energy-saving
stove provided by our partner:
“The new stove is good… My
mum uses less firewood. She
doesn’t have to worry because
she only needs a little bit... I go
with my friends to collect bits of
firewood for her.”
We sometimes think the little we
do is unimportant. But helping
in little ways – like using less
firewood – can make a big
difference.
“For he has visited his people…”
If each of us lived sustainably
and persuaded companies to do
the same, it would make a huge
difference to the planet and to
its poorest people – those most
affected by climate change.
How can I live more sustainably
today?
Lord, help me to protect our planet
for the sake of its poorest people.
Amen
Watch a video about how climate change affects you.
Take our ‘For the love of…’ action today.
Luke 1:68
Thursday 25 December
Christmas Day
“When they saw the child, they
repeated what they had been told”
Luke 2:17
Jansel, one year on
Last year, our Advent calendar
told the story of Santa (no, not
that Santa!) and her baby,
Jansel, in Guatemala.
Through your support for the
infant nutrition programme run
by our partner, the Jesuit-run
parish of La Natividad, and as
the photograph shows, Jansel
continues to grow up strong and
healthy - good news!
Today we celebrate even greater
news: Jesus has been born –
sent to bring good news to the
poor. If we live by the teachings
and example he gave us, all
children will be able to grow up
in a just world with access to
nourishing food and health care.
“When they saw the child, they
repeated what they had been told”
Like the shepherds, the first
witnesses to Jesus’ birth, we
should be bursting to share the
message we have been given.
Rejoice!
Jesus, you enter into our poverty
and transform it. Empower me
with joy to share and live your
good news for all. Amen.
Watch a video to remind yourself of Jansel’s story.
Share Christmas lunch with your family today.
Luke 2:17
Picture credits
Nikola Ivanovski; Simon Rawles;
Annie Bungeroth; Caritas Australia;
CAFOD
Design
Claire Bogue
Map
d-maps.com