About Us

On the ground around the world

Caritas Internationalis is confederation of over 160 members who are working at the grassroots in almost every country of the world. When a crisis hits, Caritas is already on the ground. The diverse members give us our strength – from small groups of volunteers to some of the biggest global charities. Inspired by Catholic faith, Caritas is the helping hand of the Church – reaching out to the poor, vulnerable and excluded, regardless of race or religion, to build a world based on justice and fraternal love.

Caritas Internationalis has its headquarters in Rome – co-ordinating emergency operations, formulating development policy and advocating for a better world for everyone. All national Caritas organisations are members of their own regional Caritas networks and the international confederation.

From the founding of the first Caritas in Germany in 1897, to the setting up of Caritas Internationalis in 1951, until today, Caritas has a rich history of listening respectfully to the suffering of the poor and giving them the tools to transform their own lives. The deep moral and spiritual principles of dignity, justice, solidarity and stewardship still guide Caritas today.

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What does July look like for Caritas?

For 6th and 13th July

Sea Sunday 14 July

Every year churches around the world celebrate Sea Sunday. It is a day for people to come together to pray for seafarers and fishers, and thank them for the vital role they play in all of our lives. For resources and more information, visit the website of Stella Maris at: https://www.stellamaris.org.uk/seasunday/

For 20th July

World Day for the Elderly and Grandparents 23 July In 2021, Pope Francis instituted a Church-wide celebration of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This day helps us to remember that the elderly are a gift, and we have a duty to ensure that they are looked after well in their final years. The Holy Father has chosen the theme of the Fifth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held this year on Sunday 27 July: “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (cf. Sir 14:2). These words, taken from the Book of Sirach, express the blessedness of the elderly and indicate hope placed in the Lord as the way to a Christian and reconciled old age. In the Jubilee year, the Day, established by Pope Francis in 2021, is intended to be an opportunity to reflect on how the presence of grandparents and the elderly can become a sign of hope in every family and church community.

For 27th July

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 30 July

The aim of this day is to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights. You can find out more about Caritas' work to tackle modern slavery on the diocesan website https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/caritas-2/refugees-migrants/

For 6th, 13th and 20th July

Rest Jubilee Newsletter

One of the Jubilee social action themes is rest. Caritas Plymouth has created a short reflection sheet on this topic which you can download here: https://tinyurl.com/y6fxtu6n

Caritas Survey

Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) is conducting a survey to understand the impact of the two-child benefit cap and the current economic climate on Catholic families in England and Wales. Please share your experience by completing the survey, which can be accessed here where you’ll also find further information about the survey. The survey will close on 25th March"

Caritas News

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Caritas Jubilee Lent resources

The theme of the 2025 Jubilee year is “Pilgrims of Hope”. This is a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and a climate crisis. The Pope has chosen six social action themes for prayer and reflection during the Jubilee Year: care for creation, food poverty, modern slavery, managing debt, forgiveness and rest. Caritas Diocese of Plymouth has created a resource on these six themes. It can be used by individuals or parish groups to discuss one or more of the themes. Caritas Diocese of Plymouth can also provide support to parishes wishing to explore any of these themes in greater details. https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Jubilee-Parish-Resources-2.pdf

Feast of St Oscar Romero 24 March

One of the patron saints of Caritas Internationalis and patron saint of Caritas Social Action Network. Oscar Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador, was assassinated while saying Mass on this day in 1980. He was a prophetic voice for justice and human dignity in El Salvador during the years of the military dictatorship. He embodies the preferential option for the poor. For more information and a bank of resources visit: http://www.romerotrust.org.uk