Lent Campaign 2026 – Hope that changes lives

(Photo: Elisabeth Sellmeier/ Caritas Vienna)

We live in uncertain times. Around 700 million people in the world are affected by hunger, and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine dominate the news every day. We hear about parents who have lost their children and about children who have lost their parents, grandparents and siblings, who in grief and fear are fighting to stay alive. Other humanitarian crises such as in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo hardly receive attention, but the people there are suffering just as much. At the same time, more and more rich countries are cutting their aid budgets and the immigration debate is heating up.   

It can be easy to lose hope. But it is now, more than ever, important that we gather all the good forces. Hatred and discouragement are contagious, but fortunately so are charity and hope. 

“Hope that changes lives” is this year’s theme. The hope is that if we stand together, forgo some goods and give with joy, everyday life will be better for many people in vulnerable situations, both at home and abroad. Caritas has sustainable initiatives around the world that save lives and help people out of poverty and exclusion.

The campaign starts on February 18th and lasts until April 4th.

Will you join us this Lent?

Read more about our work here.

Donate to the Lenten campaign!

The Fasting Campaign 2026. Sri Lanka

What can you give up this fast?

Giving up a good thing is an easy way to do something extra this Lent. Here are some suggestions for what you can give up for the next 40 days:

  • Fast food
  • Coffee
  • Chocolate
  • Disposable plastic
  • Meat
  • Social media
  • Television

How can you participate?

There are many ways you can participate in the Lenten Campaign. Below are suggestions for things you can do to raise money for the campaign. You can also contribute by sharing information about Caritas their work and the fasting campaign on social media.

Resources

Below you will find various resources that can be used in congregations, teaching, catechesis or in other contexts related to Lent. Physical materials such as posters and boxes will be sent by post.

Posters

Poster Ukraine (A3)

Poster South Sudan (A3)

Streaming poster Sri Lanka

Streaming poster South Sudan

To the congregations

Article about this year's Lenten campaign for Sunday newspapers and church magazines

Image 1 South Sudan

Image 2 South Sudan

Picture 3 Ukraine

Appeal from the bishops and general secretary

Intercessor

Material for children and youth

Lenten calendar (elementary school, 5th and 6th grade)

Powerpoint presentation

Coloring sheet

How to run a sponsored race

Read about those we help and our work by clicking on the images below.

Vipps to 93082
Gift account: 8200 01 93433 (note with fixed)

And you? We are always in need of new regular donors. A fixed monthly income gives us and our partners greater security, and more stability in the work we offer. You can read more about becoming a regular donor HERE .

Thank you for caring!