Monthly Prayer: September

A focus on our emergency work

I’m sure that all of us can relate to a time in our lives when we have experienced distress, grief, and heartache. Maybe we have even felt alone. I hope in these times, that you have had the support of someone, a listening ear and a helping hand.

When the woman who was subject to bleeding for 12 years, cast out from society and very alone, encountered Jesus, she was met with compassion and dignity. Jesus provided her with a sense of belonging and helped her recognise her place within God’s family.

There are numerous occasions where we see Jesus meet the needs of people in desperate situations, from feeding the hungry to healing physical and spiritual needs.

Part of our role as the Catholic Church in Scotland is to replicate that immediate response we see in the life of Jesus.

Particularly through Caritas International, SCIAF (Caritas Scotland) is able to respond quickly to humanitarian crises around the world.

Although during difficult circumstances, it is always heartening to see the caring response of the Scottish Catholic community for those in desperate situations.

With your support, we are able to respond quickly to emergencies, and we’re often there for the long term, helping communities to recover and rebuild. For example, together with our partners in Syria and surrounding countries, we continue to help families affected by the ongoing conflict by rebuilding homes and livelihoods.

We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world and do everything we can to ease their suffering in the most difficult of times.