Voices of Change

In this episode, Marie and Majella, who have dedicated over 25 years to volunteering with CAFOD, reflect on the incredible honour of receiving Papal blessings from Pope Francis. They share the significance of this recognition, their motivation for volunteering, and the role of hope and faith in their journey. Tune in to hear some excellent stories over the 25 years!All episodes of Voices of Change: https://cafod.org.uk/voices-of-change Time stamps!00:00: Introduction00:50: Quickfire questions07:20: Papal blessing14:24: 25 years of volunteering23:58: Jubilee year31:22: Outro

In this episode, Katy Nembe Katonda, CAFOD’s Deputy Country Representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo, discusses the immense challenges faced by families in the DRC, including displacement, poverty, and the urgent need for peace. Learn how CAFOD’s partner, CAJED, is empowering young people like Daniel through vocational training, giving them the tools to rebuild their lives. Your Family Fast Day donation means people like Daniel around the world will have the opportunity to get the vital skills training they need to carve a better own futureAll episodes of Voices of Change: https://cafod.org.uk/voices-of-change Time stamps!00:00: Introduction00:30: Quickfire questions11:00: Challenges in DRC25:49: Impact of CAFOD partners36:37: Role of faith41:00: Outro

In this episode of Voices of Change, Simon Giarchi, CAFOD's Community Participation Coordinator for Plymouth Diocese discusses a pivotal mountaintop moment that inspired his social justice work, his belief in community participation and the role of the church in motivating action.Time stamps!00:00: Introduction01:00: Quickfire questions04:00: Plymouth06:00: Life changing moment12:00: Campaigning15:00: Community participation27:00: Importance of volunteers29:00: Spirituality and the gospel35:00: Simon's necklace38:00: Simon's visit to Brazil44:00: What gives you hope?46:30: Outro

Join us in this episode of Voices of Change as we speak with Father Patrick van der Vorst. From securing investment on BBC's Dragons' Den for his online art valuation company, to creating the popular Christian Art website, Fr Patrick shares his unique journey into the priesthood. We discuss his appearances on Songs of Praise, his daily reflections combining art and the Gospel, and his path of discernment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, art, and personal transformation.Time stamps!00:00: Introduction00:40: Quickfire question round04:20: Dragon's Den09:44: Christian Art25:15: Romero cross29:53: Journey into priesthood37:16: What is next for Fr Patrick40:25: Outro

Join Sandun Thudugala, Head of Programs at Law and Society Trust, as he uncovers the layers of Sri Lanka's debt crisis, revealing how it impacts ordinary citizens.Time stamps!00:00: Introduction with Sandun01:07: Quickfire question round06:20: Challenges facing the people of Sri Lanka10:02: Debt crisis in Sri Lanka24:34: How LST are tackling the debt crisis30:13: CAFOD's work with LST31:29: Life of a family in Sri Lanka without debt35:09: How CAFOD supporters can campaign36:52: Future for the people of Sri Lanka39:06: Outro

In this episode of Voices of Change, host Celeste Iyinbo sits down with Clare Dixon, an esteemed advocate for justice and human rights with a remarkable 45-year tenure at CAFOD. Clare's unwavering commitment to defending the rights of marginalised communities in Latin America and the Caribbean has earned her accolades such as the OBE and the Cardinal Silva Human Rights Medal.Listen as Clare shares her inspiring journey from her upbringing in northeast England to her pivotal role in CAFOD's efforts in regions grappling with political unrest and human rights violations. Gain insight into the profound impact of individuals like Saint Oscar Romero and the Jesuit community in shaping Clare's work and worldview.Through personal anecdotes and reflections on significant moments in her career, Clare sheds light on the importance of defending human rights globally.Time stamps!00:00: Introduction with Clare01:30: Can you tell us a saint that inspires you and why?03:05: If you could eat only one food for the whole rest of your life, what would it be?04:53: If you could have dinner with a historical figure, who would it be and why?07:15: Is there something you've always wanted to learn that you never had the time to do before, but you'd love to do now?09:39: Clare's journey into the development sector, human rights and justice work17:03: Inspiring stories from 45 years at CAFOD28:37: Working with Saint Oscar Romero35:31: Why does Saint Oscar Romero hold such significance to CAFOD and its supporters?40:56: St Oscar Romero shrine in St George's Cathedral, Southwark43:40: Message to listeners called to advocated for human rights48:01: OutroFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

In this special International Women's Day episode of Voices of Change, Celeste Iyinbo engages in a deeply insightful conversation with Nargis Nehan, former acting Minister for Mines and Petroleum in Afghanistan. A passionate advocate for women's rights, Nargis shares profound insights into the gender apartheid gripping Afghan women and girls. Listen as she shares the current plight of Afghan women and her unwavering hopes for a brighter future.Time stamps!00:05: What was it that made you want to dedicate your life for women's empowerment and humanitarian sector?04:02: Can you tell us about your work to achieve this goal pre the Taliban takeover?08:43: What critical role did women's rights organisations play before the Taliban takeover?11:15: Where were you when the news broke of the Taliban takeover of the capital?16:20: What is the current situation facing women and girls today in Afghanistan? What are the biggest threats to their well being?18:28: Has a Taliban takeover changed your goals? And also, could you tell us what has been the result in impact of the takeover on women's rights organisations and their work?23:43: What is it like living in exile?26:00: How do you continue to maintain connections with women inside Afghanistan from your current home in Canada? How do you find ways to support them? And do you hope to return to Afghanistan one day?28:51: What would you like to see change in Afghanistan before you return?30:03: How would you describe your relationship with CAFOD?31:41: What is important about CAFOD working in collaboration with local organisations. And I was wondering what can organisations like CAFOD do best to support women's rights in Afghanistan?33:38: What are your hopes for the future in Afghanistan?34:39: Do you have a message for UK supporters?Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Join Celeste Iyinbo in a deep dive with Bishop Stephen Wright on Voices of Change. Explore the profound significance of Lent, discover unique insights into the art of prayer on the go, and learn about Bishop Stephen's inspiring journey to becoming the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle and the Chair of Trustees at CAFOD.Time stamps!00:53: Quickfire questions round! Could you tell us about a saint that inspires you and why?02:32: If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?03:13:  if you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?04:04: could you share with us your favourite walk and why it holds significance for you?05:52: Bishop Stephen, as chair of trustees at CAFOD, what are your key priorities in steering the mission and vision of CAFOD?07:46: What motivated you to take on this role? We're gonna speak later about your total background and how you got, how you started and everything, but how did you end up being a chair of trustees?09:53: So what's been the most rewarding aspect, I would say, of your new role?16:13: Bishop Stephen, could you tell us then a little bit more about, you were kind of saying how you've got into your current sort of role, but your origin story, how you became a Bishop? Because I found out that you've had quite a really interesting life and I believe you qualified as a barrister as well in a former life as well. How did it all start?20:13: So for anyone who's new to the church, would you mind Bishop Stephen, explain a little bit more about why Lent is so important and why we do practice prayer, fasting and giving during the 40 days of Lent.29:16: Do you have a message for followers and supporters of CAFOD and to everybody who's listening to our podcast.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.