3 September 2013
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As you know, in June of this year I announced that the Bishops of Canada are calling on the Catholics of our country to support our brothers and sisters in Syria. The situation there is truly horrible, with well over a million refugees having fled to neighbouring countries and living now in terrible conditions. In partnership with the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, we launched a national financial campaign. Monies received are channeled via Development and Peace to various agencies of Caritas Internationalis who are working on site to give concrete assistance to the refugees.
My purpose in writing today is to remind you of this financial campaign, which ends officially next Saturday, September 14th. If you have already contributed, I offer my sincere thanks. If you have not, I invite you once again to consider making a donation.
In addition, I would like to remind you that the Bishops of Canada last June declared next Saturday, September 14th, to be a day of prayer and fasting across our country for the people of Syria. You may also be aware that just last Sunday, the Holy Father designated September 7th to be a universal day of prayer and fasting for Syria. Given the timing of his announcement, and in order that all may have an opportunity to unite in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of Syria, we are also continuing with our call for a special day to be held next Saturday, the 14th.
That day is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Please plan to set aside time that day to pray and to make sacrifices on behalf of those who are suffering. Let us pray together that the power of the Cross will bring to that very troubled land a true and lasting peace.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton