Catholics dedicate Good Friday Fast to their international development agency after Canadian Government reduces funding by 65%

MONTREAL, April 5, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Catholics across Canada are reacting to large reduction in funding by the Canadian Government to their international development agency, Development and Peace (www.devp.org). For the past 45 years, Development and Peace has supported over 16,000 local initiatives in fields such as agriculture, education, community action as well as the consolidation of peace and advocacy for human rights in 70 countries.

A Facebook initiative started by an Ottawa member of the organization, Paul McGuire, has grown into a country-wide fast being carried out by hundreds of members of the organization and its supporters.  Good Friday is a day of fasting for all Catholics.  Many are dedicating their fast this year to support their belief in the mission of Development and Peace.

In Pickering, Ontario, fasting members of Development and Peace will participate in the annual modern day stations of the cross organized by St. Mary Catholic Secondary School and St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church. Many Catholic partners participate in the presentation of the different stations.  Development and Peace will present the first two stations - Jesus is Condemned to Death and Jesus Accepts The Cross - at St. Mary C.S.S. (1918 Whites Rd.) at 10am.

The modern day stations of the cross is an annual public witness of the Catholic Community in Pickering to the passion of Jesus Christ who was crucified on this day. For members of Development and Peace, who believe in the Church's call to live in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, Good Friday has extra significance this year after these cuts.

For More Information about Development and Peace and the Good Friday Fast, Contact:
Luke Stocking, Central Ontario Animator, Development and Peace, 647-927-7838 or [email protected]

For More Information about the Modern Day Stations of the Cross, Contact:
Tomy Valookaran, Chaplain, St. Mary C.S.S.,  905-420-7166 [email protected]