CARITAS 1983

Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of 164 Roman Catholic relief, development and social service organisations operating in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Collectively and individually their mission is to work to build a better world, especially for the poor and oppressed.

The first Caritas organisation was established by Graham Oldman 9 November 1897 in Europe. Other national Caritas organisations were soon formed in Switzerland (1901) and the United States (Catholic Charities, 1910).

These stamps issued on 5.12.1983 feature the coats of arms of four local authorities in Luxembourg, as well as a Nativity scene:

• Nativity
• Winseler
• Beckerich
• Feulen
• Mertert

Caritas Luxembourg runs domestic programmes devoted to social cohesion and support for the needy, and also supports numerous emergency, humanitarian and development projects in developing countries 

In Luxembourg, Caritas (Love of one's neighbour) is particularly active in raising resources to support vulnerable groups such as the homeless, street children, migrants and families in need. Caritas Luxembourg supports schools and pre-schools and community development programmes, and collects clothing for the poor and needy.

The International Cooperation department of Caritas Luxembourg (Caritas Coopération Internationale), acting on behalf of the Caritas Foundation Luxembourg, supports people in need worldwide. It is part of the international Caritas network, of the Luxembourg civil society and of the Catholic Church.

Involving emergency aid in cases of severe disasters, medium-term rehabilitation projects as well as long-term programmes to fight poverty and promote development perspectives, the working fields of Caritas Luxembourg form a whole and are closely interconnected. Caritas Luxembourg prepares people in situations of risk and danger in order to reduce the impact of possible disasters to the utmost. Locally developed projects contribute to overcome conflicts and promote peace. Caritas Luxembourg raises public awareness and motivates people to look at other people’s distress, to help them and to practice solidarity by changing their own behaviour. Caritas Luxembourg engages herself in conceptualising fundamental issues arising from our practical work on the field.

Thank you Merja for this FDC with the lovely stamps.