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In Lent 2015 (starting on February 18th) we’ll organize a global fast for climate justice. Catholics from more than 40 countries will fast during each of the 40 days, joining the Fast For The Climate interfaith effort and the Green Anglicans Carbon Fast. We fast and pray for bold action to solve the climate change crisis (see the facts and Catholic Teachings on climate change).
WHY?
Lent is the time when we remember the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert, and we are invited to reflect, repent, fast, and listen to God. Following Pope Francis’ invitation above, this Lent let’s commit to overcome our indifference to the climate change crisis and its victims. Let’s pray and fast for the renewal of our relationship with creation and with our brothers and sisters in poverty who are already suffering the impacts of climate change. And, besides standing in solidarity with the victims, we urge our political leaders to commit to ambitious climate action to solve this urgent crisis and keep the global temperature increase below 1.5 degree Celsius (relative to pre-industrial levels).
50 confirmed countries so far! See the map (by NCR) and the list of dates and details by country.
Resources to prepare your fast:
- Our 1-page Guide for the Lenten Fast for Climate Justice
- Pope Francis’ Lenten message for 2015
- The Stations of the Cross with John Paul II: On the path of Ecological Conversion
- Carbon fast calendar
- FAQs about our Lenten Fast
- Prayers about creation stewardship: here and here.
- “Our Statement to the Church and the World“
- “Paenitemini” Apostolic Constitution of Pope Paul VI on fasting and abstinence.
- Catholic Teachings on Climate Change and Creation Stewardship.
Important reminder: if you’re going to take part in the Fast (by “fasting” we mean refraining from food during a whole day, or at least one meal) please make sure you drink lots of fluids, and if you feed dizzy, weak or light-headed – eat something straight away. You shouldn’t take part in the Fast if you’re pregnant, under-12, diabetic or suffer from an eating disorder. If you have any doubts, check with your doctor first.
