Editor’s Note

Nov 15, 2024

By Patricia Pereira
Today, November 17, we mark the 8th World Day of the Poor, a powerful reminder of the Church’s sacred responsibility not only to hear the cry of the poor but to respond with active compassion. This year’s theme, The prayer of the poor rises up to God, invites us to recognise the spiritual depth that often accompanies material poverty. While the world may view the poor as powerless or insignificant, their prayers rise directly to the heart of God. Their vulnerability reveals a profound truth: greatness in the Kingdom of God is not measured by wealth, status, or power, but by humility and trust in divine providence.

Pope Francis established this day in 2017, seeking to deepen our awareness of the structural and personal poverty that surrounds us. He emphasised that the Church’s mission is to foster a “preferential option for the poor,” rooted in the very Gospel message. This responsibility is not reserved for occasional charity but is a continuous call to action — something that must permeate our individual and communal lives.

The Church’s emphasis on synodality — walking together as a people of God — strengthens our understanding of how we should journey with the poor. Synodality calls for listening, dialogue, and accompaniment. In this spirit, we are urged to encounter the poor in our neighbourhoods, communities, and parishes, and recognise our shared responsibility toward them. The poor are not distant or abstract — they are part of our shared journey, and their voices must be heard. Throughout history, the Church has produced countless examples of individuals who answered the call to serve the poor. St Vincent de Paul, for instance, dedicated his life to the marginalised, and his legacy lives on through the Society of St Vincent de Paul, which continues to provide food, shelter, and support to those in need around the world.

Another inspiring figure is St Teresa of Calcutta, whose work among the poorest of the poor in Calcutta remains a source of inspiration. Her famous words, “Do small things with great love,” remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness can shine light into the darkest corners of human suffering. Today, her Missionaries of Charity continue her legacy, offering love and care to the homeless, the hungry, and the dying.

Today, organisations like Caritas Internationalis and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) carry on this vital mission. Caritas provides relief to those suffering from poverty, conflict, and natural disasters, while also offering long-term solutions like education and sustainable agriculture. Local Caritas chapters serve the marginalised in our own communities, ensuring no one is left behind. JRS provides essential support to displaced persons, offering shelter, healthcare, and education to millions of refugees.

While these institutional efforts are crucial, we are reminded that each of us is personally responsible for the poor. Pope Francis often speaks about the need for a “culture of encounter,” where we truly see the faces of those who suffer and allow our hearts to be moved. It is easy to turn a blind eye to poverty, especially when it feels overwhelming or distant. Yet, we are called to meet the poor where they are — in the streets, in shelters, even in our parishes — and respond not just with charity but with genuine solidarity.

In the spirit of the Gospel, caring for the poor is not just about material assistance; it is about restoring their dignity, listening to their struggles, and accompanying them in their journey. This is what true discipleship looks like: a readiness to step into the lives of the marginalised, offer them hope, and affirm their worth.

This World Day of the Poor, let us recommit ourselves to a life of service and solidarity. The poor are not just recipients of our charity; they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether through the work of Catholic organisations, parish outreach, or personal acts of kindness, we each have a role to play in building a world where no one is left behind.

Let us open our hearts to their prayer, and in doing so, lift up our own — knowing that as we care for the poor, we are truly caring for Christ Himself (cf. Matthew 25:40). Only when we stand together with the poor, in humility and love, will we fully realise the Gospel’s call to be a Church that heals, serves, and brings hope to all.