News

CAFOD Afghanistan appeal – support and prayers requested CAFOD have recently asked the Catholic community across England and Wales to support their Harvest appeal for an ongoing programme of work, and the Agency is very grateful for the generous support of clergy and parish communities.

Today, CAFOD are asking all supporters in the Archdiocese of Southwark for their help once again.

Working alongside fifteen charities who are members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) all parties agreed to launch an appeal this week.  In Afghanistan, more than half the population of women, children and men are at crisis point, facing extreme hunger caused by years of drought and conflict.

The devastating impact of the coronavirus means that things are likely to get much worse, with some parts of the country on the brink of famine conditions and a bitter winter beginning to set in.  Many families have had no choice but to flee their homes in search of sanctuary because of instability and violent conflict.  Their lives have been turned upside down.

CAFOD has worked in Afghanistan since the 1980’s responding to the needs and hopes of local communities, but the numbers of people in need of life-saving emergency aid is increasing by the day.

Together with its sister agencies, CAFOD can provide food, water, kits to survive the winter and support in planting crops that will survive through the next season, but they need to ask for the prayerful assistance and generosity of the Catholic community in order to achieve this.

During Advent we open our hearts to welcome Jesus, and open ourselves up to the needs of others. If you can afford a gift or take time to pray about this situation, CAFOD, the DEC and the people of Afghanistan would be very grateful.

Find more information, prayers and links to make an emergency donation visit:  https://cafod.org.uk/News/Emergencies-news/Afghanistan-crisis   Thank you.

A Prayer for Afghanistan

Compassionate God,

We hold in your presence the people of Afghanistan.

Be a shelter for those who have been displaced.

Be a comforter for those who are mourning.

Be the peace for those who are afraid,

Be near to those who are hungry.

Be healing for those who are sick.

Be the strength of those working to bring hope.

Open our eyes and hearts,

so we may stand in solidarity,

and reach out in love,

to our brothers and sisters.

May they know they are not forgotten

and that we hold them in our hearts

whilst they search for the path to peace.  Amen.