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CAFOD
@cafod.bsky.social
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We are CAFOD, the official aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales. A better world needs all of us.
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2025 was a busy one in schools...

✏️ 1,200 schools made the Jubilee pledge.
🔥 More than 10,000 young people at Wembley Arena for Flame 2025.
👣 Thousands of kilometres walked and pounds raised on the #BigLentWalk.

A huge thank you to all schools for everything. 💚

Photos from Flame 2025 with giant hands saying "Cancel debt" and "Choose hope." A school holding a Big Lent Walk banner. Young people in Rome walking with the Big Lent Walk banner. A full Westminster Cathedral with schoolchildren taking part in a Jubilee pledge event.
December 30, 2025 at 7:20 PM
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Struggling to think of a good New Year's resolution?

We've got five hopeful suggestions here from our members of staff. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/news/uk-news/new-year-s-resolutions
5 hopeful New Year’s resolutions for change in 2026
The beginning of a new year is a valuable time to start afresh. Here are five simple ways you can use your New Year's resolutions to live out your faith in 2026.
cafod.org.uk
December 30, 2025 at 9:27 AM
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Our volunteers do a huge amount by organising events, speaking at Mass, inspiring others, visiting schools and more.

Our gratitude goes out to every volunteer for making so many important contributions throughout 2025. 💚

https://cafod.org.uk/volunteer
Supporters walking with a Jubilee banner. Volunteers holding up a Family Fast Day poster. A group of volunteers holding baskets with their parish priest. A volunteer speaking at Mass.
December 29, 2025 at 7:23 PM
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A better world needs all of us.

Every donation we receive is a demonstration of faith in our shared mission. Thank you for all the support in 2025. 💚

📍 Honduras, Uganda, Bangladesh, Bolivia
A group of women standing by bottles filled with honey. A smiling woman holding and looking up a tree. Two young women smiling at the camera while being photographed by a building. A group of children smiling and holding up crops.
December 28, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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In early December, several environmental human rights defenders living in the region of La Guajira in Colombia received threats and one was shot at.

Learn more about the situation as we pray for those affected and action. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4b4ToLV
Pray for human rights defenders in Colombia
cafod.org.uk
December 28, 2025 at 1:40 PM
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During Advent, we told the story of our work in Lebanon to support people with the practical help they needed most to keep warm.

Thanks for all of your support to the appeal so we can continue reaching out with love and warmth.

https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/advent-appeal
A man called Omar pouring tea. Mariam by the front door of her home. Aid workers transporting bedding. A portrait photo of an aid worker called Fatima in Lebanon.
December 27, 2025 at 6:49 PM
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Thank you for campaigning with us in 2025!

You've spoken up against injustice in so many different ways, especially in keeping the debt crisis at the top of the agenda in this Jubilee year.

Learn more about our campaigns. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/campaign/latest-campaigns

People holding signs and banners on the COP30 march. Parishioners by a stand featuring Fr Charlie's letter on debt. The debt petition being handed in at 10 Downing Street. Fr Charlie with a campaigner in Westminster on the day of the Mass Lobby.
December 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM
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Today, we celebrate the feast of Saint Stephen, the first martyr.

Let’s also remember human rights and environmental defenders who risk their lives to speak up about what is right such as those under threat in Colombia.

Pray with us. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4b4ToLV
Pray for human rights defenders in Colombia
cafod.org.uk
December 26, 2025 at 3:34 PM
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"God of joy, remind me to rejoice." 🙏

We hope that you had a great day yesterday and are enjoying Christmastide.

Discover our most popular Christmas prayers that are suitable throughout the festive season and up until Epiphany. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/christmas-prayers
A prayer graphic featuring a close-up image of a Christmas tree. "God of joy, remind me to rejoice. Wrapped up in my Christmas gifts, tied down in my debts, I have forgotten. God of peace, remind me of your calm. In my anxiety and in my haste, I have forgotten. God of all, remind me of the true light of Christmas, of your gift shared. In my own wants and in my own needs I have forgotten, Wrapped up in my little world, remind me of your world. God of joy, remind me to rejoice. Amen."
December 26, 2025 at 10:28 AM
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As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also remember all who remain left out so that we may reach out in love. 🙏

We hope that everyone is able to enjoy a wonderful and restful Christmas. Best wishes to all. 💚
A graphic with an image of a lit, white candle. "She wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." Luke 2:7 "Christ Jesus, as we celebrate your birth in a stable we remember all those among us who are left out, who live in poverty, who homeless and who long to go home. Make room in our hearts for our sisters and brothers, so that we may reach out to them in love. Amen."
December 25, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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Christmas Day is here. Let's celebrate and rejoice!

As we come in love and humility before the manger today, let us seek the face of God in all those who are vulnerable, who are unsheltered, who face persecution or conflict.

Our final reflection. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/3RPlKyL
Shepherds with their sheep heard the good news of great joy at a nativity scene. "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy, that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11
December 25, 2025 at 7:00 AM
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We hope that all of our supporters and everybody has a wonderful and peaceful Christmas. 🎄

As our Director Christine Allen said: "Thank you for being part of a living sign of peace and hope in our fractured word."
The front of the CAFOD Christmas card with an illustration featuring an angel blowing a horn while flying through a night sky. Text from a prayer with the same illustrated angel. "Lord Jesus, the angels who announced your birth sang of peace; and Mary your mother treasured their words in her heart. Today we strive to bring about a world where all your children live free from the threat of violence and war. May we be lovers of peace, givers and creators of hope. We long for the time when those who go hungry are filled with good things and the lowly are raised high. May we be inspired by your love, to transform weapons of war into tools of peace. Amen." A handwritten copy of the Christmas message from CAFOD Director Christine Allen: "On behalf of all of us at CAFOD, thank you for your generosity and support over this year. Whether through praying, acting or giving, you have enable us to have a powerful impact in many places facing conflict - for instance Gazam Ukraine, Sudan and DRC. Thank you for being part of a living sign of peace and hope in our fractured world. May the peace of Christ be with you in this Christmas period. With many blessings, Christine.
December 24, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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On this day last year, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door and officially inaugurated #Jubilee2025.

Guided by both Francis and his successor Leo, the Jubilee has been an important time of hope. Look back on five incredible moments from the year. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4oUFcs7
A photo of Pope Francis with a quote: "The Jubilee calls us to spiritual renewal and commits us to the transformation of our world, so that this year may truly become a time of jubilation. A jubilee for our mother Earth, disfigured by profiteering; a time of jubilee for the poorer countries burdened beneath unfair debts."
December 24, 2025 at 1:39 PM
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When we look at our world today, we can see that we are still much in need of the light of Christ.

On Christmas Eve, we pray that we may work alongside our brothers and sisters to create a world which better reflects God’s kingdom of mercy and peace.

https://bit.ly/3TxWyPI
Kanika in Bangladesh surrounded by her pigeons and doves. "By the tender mercy of our God who from on high will bring the rising Sun to visit us...to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:78-79
December 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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For today's Advent reflection, we look at when John the Baptist was born and that sense of potential that comes with every new life.

Samir's family was originally from Gaza but are now in Lebanon where he worries about keeping his baby warm in winter.

https://bit.ly/48N8PFK
A photo of Samir who lives in a refugee camp in Lebanon. "Generous God, you give us life and fill us with potential. May we work together towards a better world where all your children may flourish. Amen."
December 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Together, we can support families with the practical help they need.

We worked with our partners to get Mariam enough fuel to stay warm. But many of our neighbours still face a cruel winter.

Don't wait this Advent. Donate now. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/advent-appeal
A photo of Mariam, a Palestinian refugee living in Lebanon. "The weather is so cold...I'm sitting out shivering. We need to spare some fuel for nighttime."
December 22, 2025 at 6:44 PM
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New research shows that countries in debt distress are sending billions to wealthy, private creditors.

Our Lead Economist, Maria Finnerty, spoke to Nick Ferris about the situation and how English law allows it to continue.

https://bit.ly/3YFmtpL
How private investors are making billions from countries in debt
Exclusive: As an escalating climate crisis and a difficult economic outlook put ever greater pressure on developing countries, new analysis shows how wealthy private investors in the Global North are ...
www.independent.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 4:57 PM
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Mary is filled with joy and sings her praise to the Lord in the words of the Magnificat.

She paints a picture of God’s kingdom. One of mercy, justice and welcome. In today's reflection, we look at this the important issue of debt justice. More. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/3KE0BIc
A photo showing parishioners in Milton Keynes. "Almighty God, you do great things for us. Grant that we may work together to build a world that reflects your kingdom of mercy and justice. Amen."
December 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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"Be with us now." 🙏

Pray with us on this fourth Sunday of Advent as we prepare for the birth of Jesus.

A graphic with a an image of a lit, purple candle. "When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him." Matthew 1:24. "God-with-us, you came and made your home among us, nurtured and protected by Joseph and Mary. As we prepare to celebrate your birth be with us now, especially with those who are seeking refuge, who long for a place to call home. Comfort and protect them, O Lord." Amen"
December 21, 2025 at 10:26 AM
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Joseph can seem like a minor figure in the Christmas story, but like Mary, he too had the courage to accept what was asked of him.

In today's Advent reflection, we think about how we can be like him and open our eyes to see God at work. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/advent-calendar/21-december
A photo showing a seated group in Nigeria. They train other members of their communities on water sanitation and hygiene. "God-with-us, open our eyes to your presence in each one of us and grant us the courage and faith to take action for a fairer, more loving world. Amen."
December 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Looking for thoughtful Christmas presents? 🤔

See our #WorldGifts. ✅

Select the print-at-home or e-card options and you'll be set. 🎁

Get yours now. ⤵️

https://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk/
December 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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Today is International Human Solidarity Day which promotes the vital role of solidarity in eradicating poverty.

In Dilexi te, Pope Leo reaffirms the importance of solidarity as demonstrated in the Church's preferential option for the poor.

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/dilexi-te-explained
A photo of Pope Leo XIV with a quote. "Wanting to inaugurate a kingdom of justice, fraternity and solidarity, God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favour of the weakest."
December 20, 2025 at 1:22 PM
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This time of year can seem excessively commercialised, but today's readings remind us of what truly matters.

Reflect with us on supporting one another and making the world a better place. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/advent-calendar/20-december
A parishioner from Reading prays during a pilgrimage. "Loving God, wash away our desires for worthless things. Help us to see what is truly important and to know that you are always with us. Amen."
December 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Our partners from Caritas Odesa have shared their beautiful version of the popular Ukrainian hymn 'Бог ся рождає' or 'God is Born' in preparation for Christmas.

Learn more about our work in Ukraine. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/ukraine

December 19, 2025 at 7:45 PM
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Our Director Christine Allen:

"We’d like to congratulate Bishop Richard Moth on his appointment as the new Archbishop of Westminster. It coincides with the closing chapters of the Catholic Jubilee, a time of profound faith renewal and a recommitment to building a just world.
A photo of CAFOD Director Christine Allen with a quote: "His emphasis on the virtue of justice, as a means of maintaining right relationships with God and one another, is one which is needed to ensure our society is one based on love not hate. We would also like to take this time to thank Cardinal Vincent Nichols for all his work and support to CAFOD. His voice, especially speaking up for refugees and migrants, has been very important. We wish him the very best for the future."
December 19, 2025 at 3:15 PM