Understanding and Taking Action: A Workshop on Development and Peace—Caritas Canada’s Jubilee Campaign

Understanding and Taking Action: A Workshop on Development and Peace—Caritas Canada’s Jubilee Campaign

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An information workshop titled “What’s the Point?” was recently offered to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) to provide an update on the Jubilee Year 2025 action campaign launched by Development and Peace—Caritas Canada (DPCC).

Offered in a friendly, informal format, the meeting helped clarify the campaign’s objectives while encouraging dialogue. It was facilitated by Kim Piché, Interim Regional Animator for Central-South Quebec, whose role is to strengthen ties between the Diocesan Council of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and religious communities on the South Shore.

“Turning Debt into Hope”

Carried out at both national and international levels, the campaign “Turning Debt into Hope” aimed to address the structural causes of debt in impoverished countries. In addition to awareness-raising activities, a petition was launched calling on creditors and political leaders to cancel or unconditionally reduce debts deemed unjust and unsustainable.

In Canada, the petition gathered 60,626 signatures, exceeding its initial goal, while 223,287 people added their names worldwide. Ms. Piché highlighted, that beyond these figures, the campaign has succeeded in raising awareness among a wide audience and provided opportunities for dialogue on the issue of debt.

Mobilization on Multiple Fronts

The campaign included advocacy efforts with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), calling for fair representation of debtor countries and responsible debt policies that respect human rights and environmental principles.

It was also presented at the Civil 7 (C7) and the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum in Calgary, held alongside the G7 summit. This participation gave the campaign a multifaith dimension, enriched in particular by the reflections of Cardinal Pedro Barreto, a DPCC partner in Peru, who spoke extensively about ecological debt.

Finally, the petition was brought to the COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil, by the Canadian DPCC delegation, further extending the reach of the mobilization.

The Commitment of the SNJMs

Ms Kim Piché and Sr. Beverley Wattling

As Ms. Piché noted, participation in DPCC’s annual campaigns helps “unite the voices of committed Catholics to denounce social injustice and support partners in their struggle against inequality.” This conviction is shared by the SNJMs, who continue to collaborate with various organizations to strengthen actions in support of social justice and equality.

The SNJMs also plan to continue this partnership during the next Development and Peace—Caritas Canada campaign, which will begin with the season of Lent.

Photo credit: Sr. Hélène Harvey