The CEO of Caritas Australia, Kirsten Sayers, visited the Diocese of Sale this past Sunday to advocate for the world’s most vulnerable communities during a special visit to St Patrick’s Parish, Pakenham.
Joined by her mother, Coral Classon and the Diocesan Director, Siji Dominic, Ms. Sayers spoke at both the 9:00 am and 10:30 am Masses to promote the 2026 Project Compassion appeal and its theme, "Unite Against Poverty."
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Ms. Sayers promoting Project Compassion 2026.Addressing the congregation, Ms. Sayers highlighted that compassion is a vital lifeline in a world currently facing unprecedented levels of conflict and hunger. She noted that while some international aid budgets have seen reductions, Caritas Australia remains a reliable partner in crisis zones such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan.
Ms. Sayers shared the moving story of 13-year-old Sisilia from Tanzania to illustrate how local donations create lasting change. Before Caritas supported through the A+ Successor Project, Sisilia walked 30 minutes three times a day to collect dirty canal water, which caused her family illness and forced her to be late for school. Through the support of Project Compassion, clean water taps were installed at Sisilia’s school and a water point was established just two minutes from her home. With easy access to safe water, Sisilia now has the time and health to focus on her studies and her dream of one day becoming a pilot.
"Sisilia's story shows that together, we can bring about lasting change through Project Compassion." — Kirsten Sayers, CEO
Ms. Sayers invited the Pakenham community to reflect on how they can "Unite Against Poverty" this Lent, whether through prayer, fasting, or participating in parish events like "The Long Walk for Water". She concluded by thanking the community, noting that their involvement truly makes a difference and transforms lives within our global family.
