South Africa: Bishop calls for prayers for carers on World Aids Day

Kevin Dowling, Bishop of Rustenburg in South Africa, has called for prayers for those who care for HIV and Aids sufferers on World Aids Day.

The Bishop, who serves in an area where 30% of people have HIV and Aids and where hundreds of children are orphaned as a result of the disease, said: ‘It is the often heroic commitment of many thousands of “carers” who sacrifice themselves daily to care for the sick and the dying who should be remembered in prayer on World Aids Day. These are the people, often with minimal resources, who experience in their spirit the call of Jesus to touch his own body in the body and spirit of the children and people who often depend entirely on them.’

The Bishop’s full message, which can be read here, illustrates the advances that have been achieved in medical intervention as well as the part the Church has played in offering healing and showing compassion to victims.

Bishop Dowling, who was recently in London to celebrate World Mission Sunday with Catholic mission charity Missio, heads up several programmes for Aids patients in his diocese. To find out more about his work with orphans and vulnerable children or to donate to his projects please visit www.missio.org.uk

To read the full message see: www.missio.org.uk/index.php?cat=23&rec=128