Fr Robert McCabe, chaplain at Gormanston Army Camp represented the diocese of Meath on a recent visit to Northern Uganda. He is asking people to return their Trócaire boxes to their local parish in the coming days. Fr McCabe is also encouraging primary schools to enter a competition to design next year’s 2013 Trócaire box for its 40th anniversary.
Fr. McCabe saw how the money raised here at home is helping communities rebuild after more than two decades of war.
“I was privileged to travel to northern Uganda to visit vulnerable communities who will benefit from the generosity of parish communities across the diocese of Meath,” said Fr. McCabe.
“The signs of hope which I noticed in Uganda are similar to the resilience of communities in Liberia, Kosovo, Lebanon and Chad. In all conflict zones, families are victims of a conflict which is beyond their control but they are doing everything possible to improve the lives of a younger generation. They are a people of great faith and even though they have lost their tribal customs, their lands and their homes, their trust in God has not weakened.”
“Trócaire’s work is making a difference in three main areas: helping families to re-establish their homes, schools and livelihoods; assisting farming communities to be self-sufficient; highlighting the dignity of women and eradicating gender-based violence.”
Trócaire boxes should be returned to local parishes. Meanwhile a national competition for a primary school is underway to design next year’s 2013 Trócaire box for its 40th anniversary. Details can be found on www.trocaire.org/education. The closing date is 27 April 2012.
Click here for an outline of Trocaire activities in the Diocese of Meath during Lent 2012.