by Angela Powell, CAFOD community participation co-ordinator Leeds
It was a privilege to walk with pilgrims from across Leeds diocese on the first leg of St Marks’ Way, part of the National Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope in this holy year. I joined volunteers and supporters, and at the pilgrims Mass at the Cathedral we were reminded of what it means to be a pilgrim. We carried with us an ancient statue of St Peter, who was born near the sea of Galilee and some of us began by reflecting on the suffering in the region and other parts of the world.
We walked, reflected and talked about what we can do to be beacons of hope in our suffering world. St Peter was one of the first to be called to discipleship by Jesus, he became a charismatic leader, raising his voice and spreading the word widely. We may not all be leaders, but we can play our part by living our lives in ways that help others to see and become aware of God’s universal love.
Jesus showed us how, and we can do this by showing special concern and solidarity for the vulnerable, marginalised and those who suffer. This Harvest, CAFOD’s Family Fast Day Appeal is reminding us about the ways we can fund Life-Saving Water for those who are unable to access what they need to live dignified lives in a changing and challenging climate. In Southern Ethiopia, the climate crisis is threatening lives.
Once, rains fell reliably, fields were green, and water was close by. Now, the seasons are unpredictable, and long droughts are forcing women like Waré to walk for hours each day — even while pregnant — just to find water for drinking, washing, and livestock.
“It was very traumatising,” Waré says. “When I was pregnant, I had to go fetch water in the mountains. Sometimes I felt so weak I could fall down, so I worried about my child.”
Yet, Waré refused to give up. Guided by her own faith and uniting with her neighbours, she took action. With support from CAFOD and local water expert Abbiott, they built an underground water tank to collect and store every precious drop of rain. Now, over 300 families have safe, clean water just a few steps from their homes.
This is the Gospel in action: love made real through compassion, courage, and community. As Catholics, we are called to be stewards of creation and stand alongside our sisters and brothers affected by climate change. Your prayers and generosity make this transformation possible.
But many more communities still walk miles for water.
CAFOD is very grateful for all the support it receives from the very generous communities in Leeds diocese. Last Harvest the parishes raised more than £10,000 and we are sharing ideas and resources to help parishes respond in solidarity, again this year when the Family Fast Day falls on 3rd October 2025.
Pope Leo XIV urges us to recognise those experiencing poverty as “witnesses to steadfast hope”, precisely because they embody it in the midst of uncertainty, poverty, instability and marginalisation.
Can you help at this Family Fast Day? please give what you can so more families can access clean water, stay healthy, because a better world needs all of us.
Donate today at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030