Coming Home to Compassion

In Week 4 of the 2025 CRS Rice Bowl Stories of Hope. we reflect on the story of Shahadat Hossain, a young man from Manpura Island in Bangladesh, who once struggled to support his family as climate change threatened their farmland. Through training and innovation—like learning to build raised garden beds that resist floods—Shahadat not only fed his family, but helped lift them out of poverty.

Lent invites us into this same space of compassionate giving. When we give, fast, and pray this Lent, we’re saying yes to this radical love. We’re not just checking a box. We’re being transformed into people who learn, grow, and give back.

“The vegetables I sell at the market help me to provide financially for my family.”

—Shahadat Hossain

This story highlights the life-changing impact that Lenten almsgiving can have on families across the globe.

This Lent, Catholics are encouraged to participate in the three pillars of the season: almsgiving, fasting, and prayer.

• Give to support CRS Rice Bowl programs that combat hunger and poverty worldwide.

• Fast in solidarity with those who experience daily hunger.

• Pray for vulnerable families like Ana’s, and for a world where all are fed and cared for.

CRS Rice Bowl is the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, inviting U.S. Catholics to live in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world through simple, sacrificial meals and powerful stories of hope.

To read Shahadat’s full story and access parish and school resources for CRS Rice Bowl, visit:
Week 4 of the 2025 CRS Rice Bowl Stories of Hope.

This week, ask yourself:

• Who in my life needs compassion more than correction?
• How can I be a sign of welcome for someone who feels like an outsider?
• Am I willing to give for the sake of goodness without asking anything in return?

Give with compassion. That’s the heart of Lent. Together, we can make a difference—one bowl at a time.

For more creative ideas on how to move during this Lenten journey, visit CRS Ricebowl website.