A photo showing two figures embracing. It is The Return of the Prodigal Son sculpture by Charlie Mackesy.
"Merciful God,
thank you for the gifts
of forgiveness and a new start.
Help us to turn outwards,
choosing mercy over judgement,
relationship over division,
and love over hate.
Amen."
For our Lent reflection today, we look at example of the prodigal son.
We can allow our gratitude for God's mercy to turn our hearts outwards to our neighbours and the whole of creation.
Read more. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/7-march
07.03.2026 08:36
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Across the Middle East, families are once again facing violence, fear and uncertainty. Our partners are responding in Lebanon and Palestine.
Before recent developments, we asked Dalia from the Balasan Initiative for Human Rights about the conflict in Gaza and its impact on women in particular.
06.03.2026 16:50
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Bishop Paul Swarbrick holding up the CAFOD Lent Appeal poster.
Two women by a low table covered in CAFOD Lent Appeal materials.
Two women stood holding the Family Fast Day envelope in a church.
Family Fast Day was a week ago today and we're hugely grateful to all who helped bring it to life.
Our Lent Appeal remains open to help people keep growing enough food to eat when faced by challenges like flooding or too little rain.
Find out more. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/lent-appeal
06.03.2026 12:23
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A photo of a woman in a Caritas Ukraine vest speaking to another woman with both looking away from the camera.
"They drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silvers."
Genesis 37:28
In today’s first reading, we hear how Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery.
Today, more than 40 million people are victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. In our reflection, we look at the anti-trafficking work of partners in Ukraine. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/6-march
06.03.2026 08:22
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People in high vis vests unloading supplies from a van.
Staff moving boxes of supplies.
A view of the back of a staff member wearing a high vis vest.
Women writing on clipboards at the roadside.
Following the latest escalation of the regional conflict, in Lebanon tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes.
Our partners' staff are among the displaced but safe and responding. In particular, Basmeh and Zeitooneh
distributed meals to displaced families.
05.03.2026 19:21
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By using floating plant beds, Bayezid can keep growing vegetables when faced by flooding. 🛶
Your donations this Lent help more projects like this provide practical, long-term solutions around the world. ⤵️
https://bit.ly/40zkp3C
05.03.2026 17:11
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A photo of sixteen-year-old Bayezid tending his family’s floating garden in Bangladesh.
"To save the environment, we must plant many trees and avoid water pollution. It is everyone's responsibility to plant trees. We all have to save the environment together."
Apart from God and people, the Bible mentions trees more than any other living thing. 🌳
In today's reflection, we look at the beautiful image described by Jeremiah and consider how trees can teach us about being a healing and generous presence. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/5-march
05.03.2026 08:18
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Slow down. Walk. Reflect. 💚
Use the Big Lent Walk as a way to step outside and reconnect with faith while joining thousands of others acting in solidarity with our global family.
https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
04.03.2026 19:07
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A photo of a smiling man called Crispen Marufu in Zimbabwe. He is wearing a suit and a medallion.
"For me, a better world needs all of us, means that I have a role to play...Each one of us has a role to play."
Crispen Marufu is a leader for a village of 85 families in Rushinga, north of Zimbabwe.
Alongside others, he works to address issues such as early marriage, gender-based violence and water insecurity.
Today's reflection on serving neighbours. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/4-march
04.03.2026 08:05
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Campaigners stand outside Downing Street ready to hand in the debt justice petition with a box that says "Over 68,000 demand action on the debt crisis."
"Seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." Isaiah 1:17.
God’s concern for those experiencing poverty, for people marginalised and oppressed runs throughout the Bible.
Around one in ten people worldwide are estimated to live in extreme poverty. This Lent, let us consider structural injustice and act. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/3-march
03.03.2026 08:44
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A photo of Pope Leo XIV with a quote.
It reads:
"I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time. Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue."
On Sunday, Pope Leo expressed his concern about the military strikes taking place across the Middle East and Iran before appealing to all parties that they halt the spiral of violence.
He also encouraged all to keep praying for peace.
02.03.2026 11:05
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A photo of Obayedulin in Bangladesh propelling a small boat.
"Just as I have improved my life with the help of Caritas, I hope that Caritas will train and make many more people self-reliant this way, so that poverty is eradicated."
Today in the gospel, we see a beautiful image of extravagant generosity.
Acts of generosity can and do make a difference. Obayedul recalls how training on using floating plant beds made an impact for him.
More. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/2-march
02.03.2026 08:00
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🙏 Pray with us this Lent. Thank you for putting faith in action over this Family Fast Day weekend. 💚
https://cafod.org.uk/fundraise/parishes/live-lent-with-cafod
01.03.2026 17:37
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A photo showing plants sprouting from the soil.
"Glorious God,
we give you thanks
for glimpses of grace,
for your abundant generosity
and for the strength of your love.
May we reflect your glory
as we walk in your way.
Amen"
In today’s gospel the disciples witness Jesus transfigured. Has he changed or have their eyes been opened to see him as he truly is?
In today's reflection, we ponder recognising how every person is beloved as we strive to recognise the beauty of all. ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4cIjQMc
01.03.2026 09:34
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An illustration showing Saint David holding a basket full of vegetables.
"St David gathered groups of monks and taught them to live very simple lives.
While living very simple lives themselves, they did what they could to help others.
The simple lives St David and his monks lived teach us to give to others and to be grateful for what we have."
Happy St David's Day!
Today, we can still feel motivated to follow his example of living simply and generously.
01.03.2026 07:36
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Harry Clark walking outside with students from St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School.
A photo with Harry Clark, staff from St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School and students who asked him questions.
Harry Clark on stage speaking to students.
Harry Clark speaking one-on-one to a student inside a church.
This week, Harry Clark was back at St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School to inspire students on the Big Lent Walk!
Anyone can still sign up and take on 200km this Lent while raising funds for life-saving clean water 💧
Let’s do this together. ⤵️
https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
28.02.2026 20:20
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A photo of a repaired, blue roof.
A photo showing a bowl of ingredients in a temporary kitchen.
In November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah was Sri Lanka's worst natural disaster in decades.
In response, we've worked with partners to repair roofs, set up temporary kitchens, accommodation and more. Learn more about the cyclone and our work since. ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4pTQzSd
28.02.2026 19:40
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The impact UK debt action could make in the face of aid cuts
Action to address the global debt crisis could produce net gains across water, sanitation, education and health.
Action to address the global debt crisis could have a significant impact - even in the context of dramatic aid cuts.
Read more in our new analysis that examines potential net gains across water, sanitation, education and health. ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4qVQJbB
28.02.2026 12:40
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Prayer. 🙏
Fasting. 🍽️
Almsgiving. 🪙
Out on the #BigLentWalk, Jenny explains how the challenge helps you to stay connected to these three pillars of Lent.
https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
28.02.2026 10:55
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A photo showing individual squares sewn together to create a communal quilt.
"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Matthew 5:44
With an internal armed conflict lasting more than 60 years, many Colombians have first-hand experience of violence.
In today's Lent reflection, we look at the challenge of love, reconciliation and how peace is built little by little. More. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/28-february
28.02.2026 08:09
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A photo looking over the heads of the congregation as the priest stands with a CAFOD banner to the side of the church.
A group of schoolchildren holding up a CAFOD Club banner and posters for the Lent appeal.
A group of people sat around a table eating a simple lunch.
The congregation queuing in the aisle next to a display with CAFOD materials.
A massive thank you to all the parishes, schools and individuals who took part in Family Fast Day and who will continue to do so over the weekend. 💚
Your acts of love help families grow food and show a better world needs all of us.
https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/lent-appeal
📌 Rotherham
27.02.2026 20:25
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💚 It's always inspiring to see the interest and understanding on show when people hear about our Lent Appeal at Mass.
Learn more about how donations help families grow enough food to eat. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/lent-appeal
27.02.2026 12:21
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Rejoice and her community in South Sudan stood by their floating garden.
"God of love,
may we come together
as one human family,
to work for the common good.
Amen."
Right relationship with God demands right relationship with our sisters and brothers.
Today is Family Fast Day. As we eat simply today, in solidarity, let’s pray that we will grow in right relationship with the earth, our global family and with God.
https://bit.ly/4cLK1S3
27.02.2026 07:10
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A photo showing Holly walking away from the camera in nature.
Zoe and Henry pictured together outdoors.
Reverend Shirley outside on a walk.
We've been inspired after seeing so many lacing up their boots following the start of the #BigLentWalk. 💚
Every walker covering 200km over the 40 days is helping to bring life-saving water to communities around the world.
More about some of our great walkers. ⤵️
https://bit.ly/3MR2S3B
26.02.2026 16:50
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A photo showing Ruwadzano dressed in blue stood by a body of water.
"I always pray before I leave for work. I pray in the evening. When it's difficult for me, I pray. I teach my children to pray..."
Ruwadzano, Caritas Chinoyi.
Ruwadzano works for Caritas Chinoyi, helping train communities in planting the solar-powered, water-saving gardens that are featured in this year’s Lent appeal.
Read more on the commitment to prayer in today's reflection. ⤵️
https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar/26-february
26.02.2026 08:32
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One year on from UK aid cuts: Investing in aid creates peace - Vatican News
The Director of Advocacy and Communications at the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) highlights the negative impact of aid cuts on ...
One year since the UK government announced cuts to aid spending, our Director of Advocacy and Communications, Neil Thorns, was interviewed by Vatican News about the decision.
He spoke about how these cuts create instability and increased gender inequality. Read more. ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4tTWJV5
25.02.2026 20:45
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A graphic featuring a photo of someone walking away from the camera towards the hill.
"Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back,
may the sun shine warm upon your fields,
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand."
Thank you and congratulations to all who've made it through the first week of the #BigLentWalk! 💚
If you're yet to sign up or would like to support somebody walking, you can do so on the dedicated website. ⤵️
https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
25.02.2026 20:27
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How debt relief could reverse the devastating consequences of UK aid cuts
Exclusive: New analysis finds that debt relief for developing countries – which the UK could play a key role in orchestrating – could more than offset the impact of UK aid cuts. Nick Ferris reports
A year ago, the UK government announced plans to slash its aid budget.
Debt relief and new legislation can counteract the devastating impact of these cuts. Read more in The Independent and hear from our Lead Economist, Maria Finnerty. ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4tVTRak
25.02.2026 18:25
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