Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
During this Christmas season, I would like to thank you, as a registered Catholic in Sweden, and send you my greetings and best wishes for the coming year.
At Christmas, we are reminded that God, who created heaven and earth, chose to be born as a small child, entrusted to human care. Later, before His death and resurrection, He told His followers where they could find Him: in those who are hungry, poor, lonely, sick, or imprisoned (Matt 25). Jesus has identified Himself with every person in need, and there He patiently waits for us.
My wish is that together we may increasingly live this Gospel. We never have to search long to find someone who needs us. Acts of love are prepared for each one of us. If we ask for guidance, we will better understand our personal mission for God’s Kingdom, the one that suits our abilities.
To help us live as a true Church in this way, there is the worldwide organization Caritas, with the Pope as its highest protector. I know that in every parish in our diocese there are people who, in their countries of origin, have received help—sometimes even had their lives saved—by Caritas workers. Therefore, I ask you to support the work of Caritas.
As Caritas becomes an independent organization in Sweden at the turn of the year, I ask you to give your support—through prayers, donations, time, and commitment. Keep our Caritas active by contributing to collections, becoming a Caritas Friend, attending training sessions, and asking for help to develop charitable engagement in your parish.
There are many bright spots in our diocese, for example:
• Caritas Jönköping, which organizes parish coffee several times every Sunday for fundraising
• Caritas St. Lars (Uppsala), which has run a weekly language café for ten years
• Caritas meeting places in Stockholm and Malmö for the most vulnerable
• Young people starting homework help and hosting dinners in areas where youth are exposed to situations of vulnerability and social unrest.
• And not to mention the amazing young people in Caritas Ungdom!
Please pray with me that every person who encounters our Church in Sweden will experience the light and love of Christ. That we welcome every person—whoever they may be, especially those who are destitute—as if Christ Himself were coming to us. He, who began His life as a refugee child.
With wishes for God’s abundant blessing for this Christmas season and for the year 2026!
Ways in which you can support Caritas:
Do not hesitate to contact the Caritas Team if you have any further questions.