Ash Wednesday, 6th February 2008, marks the beginning of the Lenten season in the Liturgical Calendar. During Lent, Catholics around the world reflect upon the suffering of Jesus Christ during his 40 days. It is a time of prayer, fasting, abstinence and penance in order to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, which falls on March 23, 2008.

Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC the social arm of the Catholic Church and the National Secretariat for Justice, Peace and human development, will support the Lenten programmes through its local network organization in each diocese, throughout the country.

 A booklet and poster based on the main theme ‘I thirst’ prepared by Caritas Sri Lanka in consultation with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference will be distributed to each Diocese. This would provide them with spiritual guidance to be used as reflections for each Sunday’s sermon during Lent.

The Theme “I thirst ” chosen by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference not only highlights Jesus’  thirst but also symbolizes the deeper thirsts that every human being has ever felt, the thirst for companionship, love and acceptance, for new life and the end to suffering and most importantly the thirst for relationship with God.  

This theme is timely, to the current situation of our country. Our country thirsts now, more than ever, for peace, love and for humanity to be redeemed from the tethers of its own struggles. There are many still homeless, abused, traumatized, and victimized today than ever before.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, Chairman of the National Catholic Commission, too in his Lenten message highlighted that, “in today’s society there are many who suffer and are innocent victims of exploitation and abuse. In response to these cries, the society only offers those people bitter wines of injustices, discriminations and partiality, falsehood and deceptions. Many people in Sri Lanka are also in need of food, clothing and shelter. Jesus Christ who dwells among these people cries out, I thirst for justice, righteousness and compassionate love. ”

National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC, Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando, in his Lenten message too said that many people of this country thirst for our compassion. He also pointed out that Lent is a time for all Christians to realise the meaning of Christ’s life on earth. “Caritas Sri Lanka, the Social Arm of the Catholic Church has rendered humanitarian support for almost 40 years in order to create a just and peaceful society and ensure that people are empowered to live secure and dignified lives in society.  Our programmes are focussed on the betterment of the community at large.  The Lenten collection from all the Parishes in the Dioceses on the Third Sunday or ‘Caritas Sunday’ will be utilised by each Caritas Diocesan Centre to help the poor and
the marginalized in each Diocese,” he further stated.