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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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A day before the start of Lent, we can take inspiration from Pope Leo's message in which he calls us to listen to the word of God, the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth before this shared journey.

More about the ways to live Lent with us. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/livelent
A photo of Pope Leo XIV with a quote from his message for Lent 2026: "Likewise, our parishes, families, ecclesial groups and religious communities are called to undertake a shared journey during Lent, in which listening to the word of God, as well as to the cry of the poor and of the earth, becomes part of our community life, and fasting a foundation for sincere repentance"
February 17, 2026 at 8:59 PM
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Happy Shrove Tuesday! 🥞

It's almost time to start counting the kilometres on the #BigLentWalk.

Learn more about why we're doing it and how the funds you raise help build vital water infrastructure. ⤵️

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
A graphic featuring a calendar with lots of reminders about the Big Lent Walk and promotional material for it.
February 17, 2026 at 9:18 AM
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🚦 The #BigLentWalk begins on Wednesday!🚦

You can still sign up and get fundraising. All the information you need. ⤵️

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
A graphic for the Big Lent Walk featuring a large purple circle with text says "200km, 40 days." A graphic for the Big Lent Walk featuring giant figures walking over a landscape. "Walk together for life-saving water. Join us this Lent."
February 15, 2026 at 5:20 PM
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We join with others in celebrating the installation of Archbishop Richard Moth as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster.

We also give thanks for Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ many years of faithful leadership and wish him every blessing for the future.
A prayer graphic featuring an image of a church window. The prayer reads: "Faithful God, you bless us with your grace, and you call us to be a blessing to others. We pray for Archbishop Richard, as he is installed in Westminster. Empower him with your Spirit to be a compassionate shepherd a bold voice for justice and a wise leader. May he guide the Church in our land to be a constant witness to your love revealed to us in Jesus. Amen." A person stands in front of a white background featuring the CAFOD logo and the text: "A long-standing supporter of CAFOD and Caritas, both at home and around the world, Archbishop Moth has consistently championed social justice and solidarity with the most marginalised. We give thanks for Cardinal Vincent Nichols' many years of leadership, particularly his courageous advocacy for refugees and migrants, and wish him every blessing for the future. As we continue our mission alongside Catholics everywhere, we remain committed to offering hope to those in need and to building a better world together. Christine Allen, CAFOD Director.
February 14, 2026 at 1:08 PM
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Today is #WorldRadioDay! 📻

In Lima, Peru, our partner Warmi Huasi are working with vulnerable girls and boys to run a student radio channel, giving them a voice to discuss challenges like bullying and how to create friendly, peaceful schools.
February 13, 2026 at 5:15 PM
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In less than a week, thousands step into Lent with the #BigLentWalk.

Meet the walkers – from an 85-year-old trailblazer to familiar faces – taking on 200km in 40 days for life-saving water. 🌟 ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/news/blogs/meet-the-star-walkers-of-the-big-lent-walk
A person outdoors with a scenic view of the ocean and hilly landscape behind. A person stands smiling in a garden surrounded by lush green foliage. They are wearing a purple patterned cardigan and jeans. Their arms are outstretched, lightly touching the leaves around them. A person wearing a black beanie and scarf takes a selfie with a brown horse standing beside them in front of a stable entrance.
February 12, 2026 at 9:54 AM
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It all starts in a week's time on Ash Wednesday...💚

Join us to walk 200km over 40 days in Lent and help raise funds for life-saving water. 🚰

All you need to get ready to take on the #BigLentWalk. ⤵️

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
February 11, 2026 at 7:09 PM
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Ahead of the Bangladesh election, we pray for a fair, peaceful and safe election. 🙏

May the elected government represent all its people fairly and remain accountable to its citizens, especially the most excluded so that everyone may have the opportunity to flourish.
A group of people is holding lit candles in a dimly lit environment. One person, in the foreground, is holding a candle while a child observes. The scene conveys a sense of calm and focus.
February 11, 2026 at 12:32 PM
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It's World Day of the Sick and in his message, Pope Leo talks about the need to actively go out and love our neighbours as Christians as love is not passive.

We also believe that a better world needs all of us. 💚 Read the message in full. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4bcaXtH
A photo of Pope Leo XIV with a quote: "I genuinely hope that our Christian lifestyle will always reflect this fraternal, 'Samaritan' spirit – one that is welcoming, courageous, committed and supportive, rooted in our union with God and our faith in Jesus Christ. Enkindled by this divine love, we will surely be able to give of ourselves for the good of all who suffer, especially our brothers and sisters who are sick, elderly or afflicted."
February 11, 2026 at 8:08 AM
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Today, we mark the Feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita. 🙏

She is the patron saint of Sudan, South Sudan and the victims of human trafficking.

While the land of her birth faces a devastating humanitarian crisis, we can look to her example of love and reconciliation.
An illustration showing Saint Josephine Bakhita with one hand on her shoulder and the other holding broken chains. "St Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan to a loving family. But when she was eight years old she was kidnapped and forced to be a slave. She had a hard life. But not matter what happened to her she always remembered that she deserved kindness, just like any human being, and wanted to be kind to others. "
February 8, 2026 at 9:37 AM
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👣 Walk 200km
📆 Over 40 days
🚰 Raise funds for life-saving water 🪙

Ash Wednesday is next week and with it, the start of the #BigLentWalk!

There's still time to sign up. ⤵️

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
A graphic featuring a photo of Pope Leo XIV and a quote of his. "Together, as one people, as brothers and sisters all, let us walk toward God and love one another."
February 7, 2026 at 4:54 PM
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Pope Leo has urged people to support Ukrainians through prayer while infrastructure is under attack during the cold winter.

With partners we help supply hot meals, provide shelter and psychological counselling. Learn more about our work in Ukraine. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4rFVgjv
A photo of Pope Leo XIV with a quote from his general audience on 4 February 2026: "I urge everyone to support with prayer our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, who are being severely tested by the consequences of the bombings which have resumed, also striking energy infrastructure." People accessing food supplies on a snowy street.
February 6, 2026 at 5:09 PM
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🕯️ Ahead of Candlemas tomorrow, we reflect on Jesus being the 'light of revelation' as we start looking ahead to Lent.

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
February 1, 2026 at 5:02 PM
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Tomorrow is Racial Justice Sunday. Our faith calls us to challenge racism in all forms because every person is made in the image of God.

A better world needs all of us to build communities where all can thrive. See more of our prayers. 🙏 ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4qPUnos
A prayer for Racial Justice Sunday featuring an image of a dove on a stained glass window. The prayer reads: "Father, you created each one of us in your own image. Yet yours is a world made glorious by its rich diversity. This we sometimes misunderstand, sometimes fear. Give us the patience to build on what unites us, to celebrate our differences and to learn from them. Grant us the wisdom to recognise your Church, beyond the walls of a building, reaching out across all communities, countries and cultures. Give us the courage to offer refuge to those in need, to challenge prejudice and seek justice for all. Help us see that you created us in your image. Neighbour or stranger, always our brother or sister. Amen. Prayer by Yashoda Sutcliffe/CARJ (Catholic Association for Racial Justice)"
January 31, 2026 at 6:48 PM
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Let's walk this Lent, as children of light. 🕯️

Walk anytime, anywhere for 40 days – raise funds for life-saving water.

Sign up now to the Big Lent Walk. ⤵️

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
A graphic featuring an image of a person shielding a lit candle with their hand. "Walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8
January 30, 2026 at 7:42 PM
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Yesterday, we attended a parliamentary panel on the UK’s Role as a Global Debt and Tax Superpower in the Wake of Aid Cuts along with Tax Justice UK , @savechildrenuk.bsky.social , @bondngo.bsky.social and @labourcid.bsky.social.
A view of the panel at the event in Parliament. A view of the panel at the event in Parliament.
January 29, 2026 at 12:34 PM
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Today, the world marks Holocaust Memorial Day and this year's theme is Bridging Generations as a reminder that remembrance lives through us all.

The Church has resources and reflections available to help people commemorate the day. ⤵️

https://www.cbcew.org.uk/holocaust-memorial-day/
Holocaust Memorial Day - Catholic Bishops' Conference
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is marked on 27 January each year and is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust.
www.cbcew.org.uk
January 27, 2026 at 8:57 AM
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Pope Leo yesterday: "Ukraine is being hit by continuous attacks, leaving entire populations exposed to the cold of winter."

One element of our work with partners is delivering firewood and repairing windows.

More on what we do in Ukraine. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/ukraine
A woman stood in front of boards being used as part of the work to replace damaged windows. A man holding up firewood in front of a large stack of it. Iryna holding up her cats in her home with the repaired windows behind her. A woman smiling while stood in front of a gate that has been damaged by shrapnel.
January 26, 2026 at 5:54 PM
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As we mark the #InternationalDayOfEducation, let's take a look back at some of Pope Leo XIV's comments on the value of education and the contributions made by Catholic education.
An image of a Pope Leo XIV with a quote on education. It reads: "Putting the person at the centre means educating them to see with the far-sightedness of Abraham ( Gen 15:5): helping them discover the meaning of life, their inalienable dignity, and their responsibility towards others. Education is not only the transmission of content, but also the learning of virtues. It forms citizens capable of serving and believers capable of witnessing, men and women who are freer, no longer alone." An image of a Pope Leo XIV with a quote on education. It reads: "The Catholic school is an environment in which faith, culture and life intertwine. It is not simply an institution, but rather a living environment in which the Christian vision permeates every discipline and every interaction. Educators are called to a responsibility that goes beyond the work contract: their witness has the same value as their lessons." An image of a Pope Leo XIV with a quote on education. It reads: "Where access to education remains a privilege, the Church must push to open doors and invent new paths, because “losing the poor” is equivalent to losing the school itself. This also applies to universities: an inclusive outlook and attention to the heart save us from standardization; a spirit of service revives the imagination and rekindles love." An image of a Pope Leo XIV with a quote on education. It reads: " Forgetting our common humanity has given rise to divisions and violence; and when the earth suffers, the poor suffer the most. Catholic education cannot be silent: it must combine social justice and environmental justice, promote sobriety and sustainable lifestyles, and form consciences capable of choosing not merely what is convenient, but what is just. Every small gesture – avoiding waste, choosing responsibly, defending the common good – constitutes cultural and moral literacy."
January 24, 2026 at 5:10 PM
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We we find education to be an act of hope.

Much of our work helps young people to make the most of their time learning. Other work we support helps ensure families can have enough money to keep their children in education.

📍 Peru, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Ukraine

#InternationalDayOfEducation
A group of children in Peru holding a sign. A girl called Hawa in Bangladesh holding up her admissions test. A boy named Exovr in the Democratic Republic of Congo who was able to go to school thanks to his grandmother joining a savings and loans group. A grandmother with her granddaughter in Ukraine taking part in activities to help children be ready for school.
January 24, 2026 at 10:11 AM
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The Traitors ends, but the real challenge begins. Harry Clark turns faithful, will you join him?

Strengthen your faith in the #BigLentWalk. ⤵️

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
January 23, 2026 at 9:54 PM
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Energy and Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband, visited Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Primary School in Doncaster to learn about their Care for Creation project which is inspired by Catholic Social Teaching.
Ed Miliband pictured outside with the schoolchildren by a Jubilee Year banner. Ed Miliband sat in the classroom with the schoolchildren.
January 23, 2026 at 4:44 PM
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Governments around the world have failed to act with the urgency needed in response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Call on the UK Government to step up and show political leadership.

Sign our petition today. ✍️ ⤵️

https://bit.ly/3NrCCgi
A photo showing a table with a range of sanitary materials in a camp for displaced people in Sudan.
January 20, 2026 at 5:19 PM
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There are 30 days to go until Ash Wednesday and the next edition of the #BigLentWalk. 👣

We want to make it the biggest yet as we raise funds for life-saving water.

Sign up now. ⤵️

https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
A graphic featuring an aerial landscape and a purple circle with text saying "200km, 40 days."
January 19, 2026 at 4:05 PM
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Last week, the CAFOD APPG met and heard a briefing from our Sudan team on the ongoing conflict.

Fatima and Danish let parliamentarians know more details about the crisis, the challenges and the impact made by our work with our local partners.
The CAFOD APPG sat around a table for a meeting. Fatima speaks to Parliamentarians on a video call.
January 19, 2026 at 10:25 AM