Caritas Australia is an international aid and development organisation of the catholic church in Australia. Caritas Australia all began with one man, Lorenz Werthmann founded the first Caritas ever in Germany 1897. The organization was named after the latin word meaning love and compassion. Caritas Australia soon became one of the largest aid and development agencies in the world. The agency contributes to long term development programs in poverty stricken communities in Africa, Asia, East Timor, South America, Indigenous australia and the pacific. Helping oppressed people to obtain their dignity by taking control over their lives and overcoming their poverty.