Dear volunteer sisters,
Dear friends of AIC,

The Lenten season is already here and I would like to share some thoughts with you.

Let us take stock: COVID is still with us but the situation is improving all over the world. Let us give thanks to God for this!

On the other hand, natural disasters are multiplying as a result of climate change and tensions are appearing in various places across the globe.

Although the many worries of life are still present and do not seem to want to leave us, we, AIC volunteers, should not be discouraged by the challenges that affect our respective countries.

Among many others, I would especially like to support with my prayers our brothers and sisters in need in the Philippines, Lebanon, Ukraine and Madagascar.

The weakest ones are always the first victims, and in particular children, abandoned women or single mothers.

“Love is inventive, even to infinity,” St Vincent teaches us, and calls us to do ever more.

This is also the meaning of the Pope’s message for Lent, in which he draws inspiration from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians: “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10).

We, AIC volunteers, are called to continue the work of charity in every form and at every level to rebuild our damaged “Common Home”, as we are part of the Family of God, Fratelli Tutti. We will have to increase our efforts to relieve the pain of our brothers and sisters in need: those without food or shelter who so often live on the margins of society in very difficult conditions.

I count on all of you, your actions and especially your prayers to be at the side of these vulnerable and unfortunate families.

We will always move forward no matter what happens because the Lord and St Vincent are with us.

Let us not be discouraged, but rather use all of our strength.

May this period of Lent, which will lead us to Resurrection, fill us with faith, enthusiasm and hope.

With all my very best wishes,

Happy Easter to all!

Rose de Lima Ramanankavana
International Association of Charities International President