The President of Caritas Internationalis has called on social action workers to embrace partnership, collaboration, synergy, and cooperation during the Caritas Asia Regional Conference in Thailand on June 11.
“It is only through our collective efforts that we can effectively respond to the cries of the earth and the poor,” said Archbishop Isao Kikuchi, SVD.
The prelate, who is also the secretary general of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, said Caritas organizations in Asia and across the globe have “achieved significant growth and successes through our collaborative efforts.”
“This has solidified a strong foundation for our future initiatives,” he said.
Recently, Pope Francis has reinforced the important role of Caritas in the mission of the Catholic Church, describing the charitable organization as “a beacon of hope and a testament to the Church’s commitment to justice and care for those on the margins.”
The event gathered some 100 social action workers from 25 Caritas organizations across Asia. The conference’s theme, “Responding to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor for Resilient and Inclusive Communities,” is a direct echo of Pope Francis’s calls for environmental stewardship and social justice.
The conference is set to foster innovation and collaboration, and shape strategic discussions focused on creating solutions to social and environmental concerns.
Archbishop Kikuchi urged participants to leverage their diverse skills and experiences, saying, “Let us build pathways that are both sustainable and inclusive, ensuring that no individual is left behind as we advance towards resilience.”
The prelate expressed his hopes for a productive and transformative conference, emphasizing the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue, discovering innovative solutions, and taking decisive actions.
These efforts, he noted, are crucial for building a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world.
He encouraged everyone to work together responsibly and proactively in addressing the needs of the earth and those in poverty.
