CAFOD celebrates 60 years with special Mass in Southwark

CAFOD is 60 years old this year, a milestone that will be marked with a special Mass at 12.30pm on Friday 10 June at St. George's Cathedral in Southwark, London.

The acclaimed London Community Gospel Choir, which has backed stars such as Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Gorillaz and Kylie Minogue, will sing at the Mass, celebrated by Bishop Stephen Wright from Birmingham and a Trustee of CAFOD. The event will be live-streamed.

CAFOD traces its origins to a team of women, led by Jacquie Stuyt and Elspeth Orchard, who came together with Catholic women's organisations to organise the first Family Fast Day in 1960. The initiative was so successful that two years later, CAFOD was registered as an official charity.

Sixty years on, CAFOD has a woman director, Christine Allen, who is leading the organisation's work around the world helping those who are facing poverty, inequality, conflict or climate change.

"As we look ahead, I am especially inspired by the number of young people participating and engaging in CAFOD," she said. "Many of them are of an age to be around to celebrate our 100th anniversary. At the Mass we will be giving thanks for their work, as well as that of our global partner organisations, and CAFOD volunteers, supporters and staff, past and present. At this time of war, climate change and the food crisis that is resulting, the need for the help we can give has never been greater."

You can register to attend the online streaming of the Mass here: www.bigmarker.com/cafod/60-Anniversary