Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of 165[2]Roman Catholicrelief, development and social service organisations operating in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Collectively and individually their mission is to work to build a better world, especially for the poor and oppressed.[3] The first Caritas organisation was established by Lorenz Worthmann 9 November 1897 in Germany.[1] Other national Caritas organisations were soon formed in Switzerland (1901) and the United States (Catholic Charities, 1910).
History
In July 1924, during the Eucharistic World Congress in Amsterdam, 60 delegates from 22 countries formed a conference, with headquarters at Caritas Switzerland in Lucerne. In 1928, the conference became known as Caritas Catholica. The delegates met every two years until the outbreak of the Second World War when all activities came to a standstill.
Work resumed in 1947, with the approval of the Secretariat of State, and two conferences convened in Lucerne to help coordinate efforts and collaboration. Caritas was given a further endorsement when the Secretariat of State entrusted it with the official representation of all welfare organisations at the international level, especially at the United Nations.
The Holy Year in 1950 saw the beginning of a union of Caritas organisations. Following a suggestion by Msgr. Montini, then Substitute Secretary of State, and later Pope Paul VI, a study week, with participants from 22 countries, was held in Rome to examine the problems of Christian Caritas work. As a result, the decision was made to set up an international conference of Roman Catholic charities.
In December 1951, upon approval of the statutes by the Holy See, the first constitutive General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis took place. Founding members came from Caritas organisations in 13 countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. The Church describes Caritas as its official voice “in relation to its teachings in the area of charity work”.[4]
In 1954, the Confederation changed its name to Caritas Internationalis to reflect the growing international presence of Caritas members on every continent.[4] Today, the Confederation is one of the world's largest humanitarian networks with 164 members working in over 200 countries and territories. Its General Secretariat is located in the Palazzo San Calisto in Vatican City.
The full membership list of Caritas organisations includes:
Africa
45 national agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa
Chad - SECADEV (Caritas Chad) has partnered with the Canadian bishops' Development and Peace program to provided essential aid for Sudanese refugees in Chad, including access to water, financing for small businesses and agricultural projects.[5]
Nigeria - Caritas Nigeria is working with local diocesan Caritas to bring relief to displaced families in the North East region displaced because of attacks by Boko Haram.[6]
Macau - established the Family Casework & Assistance Service, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Home for the Elderly, St. Luis Gonzaga Center for the Disabled and Institute of Social Work, the first Institute in Macau offering training for social workers.[7]
Jordan - Caritas Jordan has taken part in efforts to support displaced Syrians since December 2011 and is still active in addressing the needs of refugees.[9]
Lebanon - Caritas Lebanon works through different centers throughout the country, delivering food parcels, hygiene kits and blankets to refugee families from war-torn Syria. There is also medical assistance through mobile clinics and health centers.[10]
Ukraine - Карітас України (Caritas Ukraine) focuses its activities in the sphere of health care - including home care and palliative care; assistance to children and youth, in activities related to migrant processes, and assistance to individuals in crisis situations.[11]
Australia - Caritas Australia is involved in peacebuilding and reconciliation programs in Brazil, Sri Lanka, The Philippines, Papua New Guinea and elsewhere.[13]
Caritas Samoa gives assistance to low income families, provides capacity-building initiatives for women, help with the improvement of rural waters supplies, and provides assistance to address needs caused by natural disasters.[2]
