MANILA Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged Catholics on Tuesday to join again the Fast2Feed program of Hapag-Asa to feed hungry and malnourished children from poor urban and rural communities in the country.
In a pastoral letter to be released on March 1, Ash Wednesday, Tagle reminded people that they are called by the Lord to respond to His call to pray, fast and perform acts of charity.
“It only takes P1,200 for six months—or P10 per day—o bring back a hungry and undernourished child to a healthy state,” he said.
At the same time, Tagle, in his circular to priests in the archdiocese, said that Fast2Feed 2017 Fund Campaign envelopes will be distributed to parishes and schools.
He also asked the faithful to offer their Fast2Feed donation envelope during Mass or to turn it over to the parish office any day after Ash Wednesday.
The Cardinal likewise requested the priests to read his Pastoral Letter in all Masses on Ash Wednesday.
Tagle has called on the people to imitate the generosity of the Father and to continue loving and helping the poor, especially the children.
“In this season of Lent, we are especially called to imitate the generosity of God, particularly towards the poor and disadvantaged. Indeed, ‘mercy demands that we not simply stand by and do nothing… Those who are weak and vulnerable… ought to feel the presence of brothers and sisters who can help them in their need’ [Misericordia et misera 19, 21],” he added.
The program aims to raise funds to feed at least 20,000 children for the whole year in Pondo ng Pinoy member dioceses. It also encourages the people to fast during the season of Lent and to donate the money they save to feed the children.
Since it started in 2005, Hapag-Asa has been able to feed about 1.6 million hungry and malnourished children from Pondo ng Pinoy dioceses and other dioceses, non-governmental organizations, local government units and schools.
Aside from its Supplemental Feeding Program, the Church-based group has been providing the children with early childhood education. It has also strengthened its values education, as well as its livelihood and skills training for the children’s parents.