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"Lent for Life" Week Three - CRS Rice Bowl Stories of Hope

March 1, 2021

From the Office of Social Ministry

Third Week of Lent, Sustainability in El Salvador “For I was thirsty and you gave me drink” Matthew 25

Water is a basic necessity for human survival; yet many of our brothers and sisters in Christ do not have access to this essential resource. Drought has become an increasing problem across El Salvador, making it difficult for farmers to produce enough crops to support their families. However, new farming techniques and a new generation of young farmers are making a difference.

This week, through Catholic Relief Services Stories of Hope we are introduced to 17-year old Edwin Carlos who gains experience and technical skills to help farmers restore the health of their land.  As the land conditions improve, farmers are able to yield bountiful crops to feed their family and the community.

“When you know what to do to make things better, it’s your responsibility to help solve the problem.” ~Edwin Carlos

As we reflect on our own Lenten journey, let us consider the plight of those who suffer challenges around the world:

• What would you do if your livelihood was threatened?
• How can you support young people in your community and around the world?

More than a principle of Catholic Social Teaching, Caring for God’s Creation is necessary because we believe that people deserve to live in conditions that uphold their God-given dignity.  When the environment suffers, human beings suffer too.

The Holy Father Pope Francis reminds us that “We are called not only to respect the natural environment, but also to show respect for, and solidarity with, all the members of our human family. These two dimensions are closely related …” (Papal Audience, June 5, 2013).  Learn how CRS programs offer solutions for families to address conditions which lead to hunger and food insecurity. To view this week’s Story of Hope from El Salvador, click here. For more on CRS Rice Bowl in Hawaii, go to www.officeforsocialministry.org.