Beginnings: The 1960s

In 1961, the National Board of Catholic Women organised the first Family Fast Day, to assist poor families in Dominica. [J Stuyt]

1960

The National Board of Catholic Women organised the first Family Fast Day in response to a request from the people of the Caribbean Island of Dominica for help with a mother-and-baby health-care programme.

A total of £6,673 was raised to help Sister Mary Alicia MBE build a nursing home to treat babies affected by malnutrition.

1961

The National Board launched its second, more public, campaign for Dominica, appealing to the bishops of England & Wales to mention Family Fast Day in their letters to parish priests.

Sloane Street in London was the base of operations, and even Mitzi the pampered poodle offered one of her pedigree puppies for auction to support the appeal through the Catholic Herald.

The charity was officially registered on July 5, 1961. Almost £32,500 was raised.

1962

The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales officially set up CAFOD, the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development.

The aim was to provide a focus for all the small charitable efforts which were already taking place and to promote the Family Fast Day.

More than £50,000 is raised to support a range of projects - including Dominica, the original inspiration.

1967

Populorum Progressio is written by Pope Paul VI. Even now, the encyclical remains as prophetic as ever, and nourishes the Church’s understanding concerning development and social justice.

1968

The Latin American Bishops’ Conference meets in Colombia to discuss justice, poverty and liberation, and CAFOD is formally recognised as the fund responsible for financing and administering overseas aid on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

1969

Pope Paul VI speaks to the parliament of Uganda on August 1 and reiterates his commitment to development and justice, saying: “If the Church has any preference at all, it is for the poor, for the education of little ones and of the people, for the care of the suffering and abandoned.”

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