For the fifth year running, Caritas will be implementing at national level the project called “!0 million starts. A gesture for peace” (www.caritas.pt/estrelas), with the objective of “creating in the heart of citizens a culture of friendship opposing the consumerist and materialist dimension of Christmas”. In illustrating the initiative, Mons. José Alves, President of the Bishops Commission for social Pastoral work, affirmed that the construction of peace encompasses a prophetic attitude of disarmament: “In a world torn by war, it is all the more urgent to undertake common action to promote solidarity and reconciliation”. “Only by means of a unitary dimension and by engaging in concrete gestures, will we be able to oppose violence”, he added. This action is aimed at motivating every citizen to purchasing a candle which will be lit on December 15 during a public event, and on December 24 to bring light to homes thus symbolizing Portuguese families’ adhesion to the values proposed by the campaign. “The candle”, affirms the Caritas document, “is the tool and the sign of solidarity with the poor. Until so many serious social inequalities remain, there will be no peace on earth also for men of good will”. National Caritas will use 30% of the sum as relief to a developing Country, while the remaining 70% will be distributed among Diocese Caritas which will be able to support national projects entailing intervention within African States.
