Share Lent 2026: A Call for Solidarity with Brazilian Communities
Development and Peace — Caritas Canada (DPCC) is currently conducting its annual fundraising campaign to express the solidarity of Canadians with communities in the Global South.
Under the theme “On Track for Justice”, the Share Lent campaign runs from February 18 (Ash Wednesday) to May 24 (Pentecost).
This mobilization seeks to support communities whose rights and environment are threatened by large-scale industrial projects. Throughout the campaign, awareness activities are organized in parishes, workplaces, and various organizations, offering opportunities to better understand the realities faced by these communities.
Solidarity with Communities in Brazil
This year, DPCC highlights the work of its partner Justiça nos Trilhos (JnT – Justice on the Rails), a Brazilian organization that supports communities affected by the Carajás Railway.
This railway connects the world’s largest open-pit iron mine, located in the state of Pará, to the port of São Luís, in the state of Maranhão. Along its route, it passes through numerous villages where living conditions have become increasingly difficult.
Local populations must deal with:
- iron ore dust that infiltrates homes;
- the constant noise of long freight trains running day and night;
- vibrations that weaken houses and cause cracks in walls;
- various environmental and social impacts related to industrial exploitation.
Thanks to the support of Justiça nos Trilhos, 312 families — about 1,300 people — have been relocated to a new village away from industrial facilities and their harmful effects.
As Gabi, president of the women’s association Seeds of the Earth in Maranhão, explains:
“If we do not resist today in the struggle to defend the land, tomorrow we will no longer exist. We must care for the land and protect water sources and biodiversity, because our survival depends on it. Nature can exist without us, but we cannot exist without it.”
A Concrete Impact Through Solidarity
Financial support from Development and Peace — Caritas Canada helps sustain many projects around the world. Over the past year, the organization has helped more than 7 million people through 59 community development and humanitarian aid projects.
Nearly $20 million has been invested in 34 countries across Africa, Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
At a time when international humanitarian aid is declining significantly, the contributions of Canadians remain essential. Donations collected in parishes, through community activities, or online support partner organizations that promote core values such as dignity, participation, solidarity, integrity, and a preferential option for people living in poverty.
Each year, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) welcome their representative from Development and Peace to learn more about the projects supported and to participate in this movement of solidarity.
👉Learn More or Get Involved
- To learn more about the Share Lent campaign and the situation of communities in Brazil.
- You can also follow the Lenten solidarity calendar.