World Day of the Poor

 

World Day of the Poor

Pope Francis has declared Sunday, November 13, 2022 to be the sixth World Day of the poor, with the theme of “For your sakes Christ became poor” (2 Cor 8:9).s 

In his message for this World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis reflects on the words of St. Paul to the Church in Corinth and invites Christians to greater solidarity and responsibility for the poor."

Pope Francis notes that the year comes “as a healthy challenge, helping us to reflect on our style of life and on the many forms of poverty all around us.”

In his message for this year’s World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis said that no Christian is exempt from helping those with fewer resources than ourselves.  The worst thing that can happen to a Christian community is to be “dazzled by the idol of wealth, which ends up chaining us to an ephemeral and bankrupt vision of life,” he said. “Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters; what matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated.”

Before his general audience on Nov. 9, Pope Francis blessed a new sculpture by the Catholic artist Timothy Schmalz.  The life-size bronze work, called “Sheltering,” depicts a flying dove pulling a blanket over the naked body of a sleeping homeless person.  This work, which he described as "a call to action," is meant to make "visible," the poor who are "so often invisible.”

What can you do?

On this day we are invited to offer friendship, solidarity and welcome to the poorest of our sisters and brothers. As we reach out with love and support, let us hold all members of our global family in our prayers.