The Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development

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Full quote from John 10:10. Jesus: ‘I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.’

This year’s Project Compassion stories are about our need for a full and beautiful life within the surroundings of a safe and secure home and community. Every day, Caritas Australia is working towards this creation of a more just and fair world.

Six countries. Six people. Six communities.

Maristely Brazil

Improved living conditions in their favela (slum) and a program to empower young people through leadership means Maristely and her community are now enjoying a full life and are proud of where they live.

“Men and women of all times and all places desire a full and beautiful life... a life that is not threatened by death but that can mature and grow to its fullness.” Pope Francis

South Sudan Deng

During the civil war Deng, who is blind, and his family fled their village. Returning many years later, they are rebuilding their lives with the help of a food security program.

“I express my hope that all may unite their efforts to enable the people of Sudan and South Sudan to experience at last a period of peace, freedom and development." Pope Benedict XVI

Archie Philippines

Archie and his family are now happier and healthier since moving away from their vulnerable position near a flood prone river into a safe and permanent house.

"A home represents the most precious human wealth, that of encounter, that of the relationships between persons … who live together and who, together, help one another to grow..." Pope Francis

Solomon Islands Martina

Martina’s work in a Disaster Risk Management project involves teaching children songs about how to stay safe during natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.

“Because we are all really responsible for all.” Pope John Paul II

Judy Australia Lorraine

Receiving dialysis treatment far from home is hard on Lorraine as she misses her Ngurra (country). An income-generating bush balm program is helping her reconnect with culture and community.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35

Sri Lanka Nirangini

Having moved constantly during the civil war, Nirangini and her son are re-establishing their lives in a permanent home back in her childhood village.

“We mean to save human lives, to restore dignity to persons, to offer hope.” Pope Francis

When you support Project Compassion, Caritas Australia uses the money to help communities in more than 30 countries. By demonstrating a hope held firm in LOVE, we find courage to take ACTION and bring HOPE to others.

The Glory of God is a human being…...fully alive. Saint Irenaeus

Join us in Project Compassion: Let’s work together to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

Prayer Lord, We pray that, in knowing your love, we will find courage to take action and bring hope to others; We thank you for the Caritas Australia partners around the world who are helping men, women and children who are the most vulnerable to poverty and injustice, to have a full and beautiful life. We ask that, through our support, many more would be able to have a life that grows to its fullness. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Picture credits Brazil: Erin Johnson South Sudan: Isabella Gomes Philippines:Raphael Meting Solomon Islands:Richard Wainwright Australia:Simon Hewson Sri Lanka:Viyan Fernando

The Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development