Caritas, a confederation of social-charity organisations of the Catholic Church that has been in existence for more than 100 years, was present at the Vocational Fair. This Vocational Fair was located at the City of Joy, forming part of the schedule of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023. 

Agnieszka Zarzynska, a youth worker of Caritas Europe, highlights the importance of publicising the organisation’s mission, “We want to ensure that young people may use their energy and their talents to contribute.” 

Caritas acts in different ways in the countries and local communities, depending on the specific needs. It “helps people in poverty,” provides “social services,” or provides “humanitarian help, when disasters strike,” she explained. 

Pilgrims at the Vocational Fair were able to discover 150 different movements, associations, communities, religious orders and social projects. Agnieszka says that her goal during this week was to make people familiar with Caritas, providing information and giving them the opportunity to get involved in the organisation. “Caritas is a very important part of Catholic Church. It is the Gospel in action,” she added. 

At the “home” of Caritas located at City of Joy, pilgrims also had the opportunity to write a letter to Pope Francis, asking for his support to “appeal to decision-makers to take measures that safeguard our Common Home.” 

In a message addressed to young people around the world, Agnieszka challenged them to take an active role in the Church and in their communities. “Don’t be afraid to have different perspectives, to have different opinions and to voice them,” she said.