Joline Belliveau, National Chairperson of Service, March 31, 2025
FOR: Provincial Presidents and Secretaries
CC: National Officers (for information), National Life Member Liaison
Development and Peace–Caritas Canada (D&P) is the official international development organization of the Catholic church in Canada, dedicated to social justice and peace. Guided by Catholic social teaching, it works to address the root causes of poverty, oppression and inequality. Partnering with organizations in the Global South, D&P empowers women and communities as agents of sustainable change while mobilizing Canadians for justice.
D&P’s 2025 campaign, “Turn Debt into Hope,” responds to Pope Francis’ call to prioritize people and the planet over profit. It advocates for cancelling unjust debts, preventing future debt crises and addressing the root causes of inequality. The campaign invites Canadians to take part through fundraising, signing petitions for debt justice and supporting those in the Global South. Examples of impact include supporting literacy programs in Haiti, agroecological farming in Colombia and legislative advocacy in Nigeria.
The campaign aligns with the Catholic tradition of jubilee, a period of forgiveness and reconciliation inspired by biblical practices of debt cancellation and societal restoration. Consider this message a call to act in solidarity, particularly on Share Lent’s Solidarity Sunday, and to embody justice and compassion in support of a more equitable world.
Acting Together: A Call to Solidarity
In the spirit of the 2025 Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope, D&P encourages Canadians to join hands in promoting justice and compassion for those burdened by unjust debts. Here’s how to get involved:
- Support Share Lent Campaign:
Contribute generously to the Share Lent campaign, especially on Solidarity Sunday, which falls on April 6th. Donations provide critical funding for grassroots initiatives in the Global South, such as literacy programs, sustainable farming practices and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
- Sign the Global Petition:
Sign the global petition calling for the cancellation of unjust debts, reforming the international financial system and creating a comprehensive debt framework under the United Nations. Join this worldwide movement advocating for fairness and systemic change. Members signing this petition may do so as individuals, not as League members.
- Raise Awareness in Your Community:
Use the educational resources provided by D&P to raise awareness about the root causes of poverty and inequality. Organize events in parishes, schools or local communities to spread the message of debt justice and inspire collective action.
- Engage in Advocacy and Campaigns:
Mobilize the community to take part in advocacy efforts, reaching out to decision-makers to prioritize people and the planet over profit. Encourage local leaders to align with the campaign’s objectives and commit to addressing global debt crises.
- Embody the Spirit of Jubilee:
Celebrate the jubilee year by fostering forgiveness, reconciliation and right relationships with others and creation. Reflect on how actions can contribute to a more just and equitable world. Encourage others to do the same.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “Let us commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts, and feeding the hungry.” Make a meaningful impact and embody the values of peace and justice through acts of generosity, engagement and solidarity.
Your sister in the League,
Joline Belliveau
National Chairperson of Service