"Changing for the future doesn't mean denying the achievements of the past."
Following a brief spiritual reflection on Unity in Diversity On Friday (May 12), the Caritas Internationalis Temporary Administration opened Day 2 of the 22nd General Assembly together with His Eminence Cardinal Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery of Integral Human Development. In his address to Caritas delegates, ambassadors to the Holy See, and esteemed guests from Caritas partners such as FAO and the ACT Alliance, Cardinal Czerny praised the immense work carried out by Caritas. He also asked the Confederation to accept the decision of Pope Francis to change the leadership and statues of Caritas Internationalis: “Here I ask you to agree that the exceptional good work of Caritas around the world does not justify or excuse the serious shortcomings in how the General Secretariat goes about its daily chores and how it treats its staff.”
Following the morning break, the panel discussion titled “The world global challenges and the role of Caritas” included speeches from His Eminence Msgr. Gallagher (Secretary for Relations with States at the Holy See) Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata (World Council of Churches) as well as Caritas voices including: Mrws. Caohime de Barra (Trocaire and CIDSE), Mr. James Hre (Caritas Myanmar) and Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo (Caritas Africa). Climate change and its impacts on migration, food security as well as conflict were among the humanitarian crises discussed during the round table. In addition, the importance of collaboration and solidarity between Caritas and its partners was also highlighted so as to better serve the poor and vulnerable throughout the world.
During the afternoon, Caritas Internationalis staff collaboratively presented the Four Year Report (2019-2023), giving an overview of the achievements of the previous mandate (under the theme of One Human Family, One Common Home), the work of the Temporary Administration, as well as an overview of the 5 Orientations which make the 2019-2023 Strategic Framework. An overview of the Financial Framework (2019-2013) was also presented.The 3rd Statutory Session on Candidates was held during the afternoon and included the presentation and speeches of the candidates for the positions of President and Secretary General for Caritas Internationalis.
Day 2 of the General Assembly concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass. In his homily, Cardinal Tagle said that the love that is born of friendship and the decision to love and serve others is a great testimony of God’s love for people in a troubled world: “Where there is an increase in all reasons to be divided along ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or whatever reason to divide, the world needs the love that sees in the other a friend.” He encouraged Caritas, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to take upon this challenge to live Jesus’ commandment to Love one another as I have loved you.
