The official launch takes place today, February 22nd, Ash Wednesday, at the CNBB headquarters in Brasília (DF), and one of the objectives is to propose to the faithful a path of conversion so as not to succumb to the culture of indifference towards human suffering, as requested by Pope Francis. 

In our Sanctuary, the Campaign will be remembered at all Masses (where there will also be the imposition of ashes)., at 7am, 10am, 12pm, 3pm and 7pm, The 10 AM and 7 PM masses will be broadcast on the Padre Eustáquio Channel on YouTube.

Inviting everyone to consider hunger as a point of reference for reflection and a purpose of conversion, this year's Fraternity Campaign has as its theme "“Fraternity and Hunger”and the biblical motto, taken from Matthew 14:16: “"You yourselves give them something to eat!"”. 

In Brazil, more than 33 million people are experiencing hunger, according to the Brazilian Network for Research on Food and Nutritional Sovereignty and Security. The urgency of the issue has led the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) to undertake, for the third time, a Fraternity Campaign to shed light on the topic, seeking to promote actions at all levels to minimize the impact of this reality on the lives of the Brazilian people.

The Fraternity Campaign  

The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) proposes to the Church and to all men and women of good will, for the 60th time since 1964, the Fraternity Campaign. In Brazil, the Fraternity Campaign is a way for the Church to celebrate the Lenten season, with prayer, fasting and charity associated with reflection and action on a specific theme.  

An expression of communion, conversion, and sharing, the Campaign awakens the Christian and community spirit in the pursuit of the common good; it educates for life in fraternity and renews the awareness of everyone's responsibility for evangelizing action, with a view to a society of brothers and sisters. 

The National Solidarity Collection, a concrete gesture of the Fraternity Campaign, takes place in all communities in Brazil on Palm Sunday. In 2023, the Collection will be held on April 2nd. Of the total collected, the dioceses send 40% to the National Solidarity Fund (FNS), managed by the CNBB (National Conference of Brazilian Bishops), an action responsible for supporting social projects throughout Brazil. The other part, 60%, remains in the dioceses to support local projects through their respective Diocesan Solidarity Funds (FDS). 

**with information from cnbb.org.br