This Sunday, November 19, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, has been designated by Pope Francis as the first World Day of the Poor. In his letter for this commemoration (available here), the Holy Father wrote: "I invite the whole Church, and men and women of good will everywhere, to turn their gaze on this day to all who stretch out their hands and plead for our help and solidarity. They are our brothers and sisters, created and loved by the one Heavenly Father. This Day is meant, above all, to encourage believers to react against a culture of discard and waste, and to embrace the culture of encounter. At the same time, everyone, independent of religious affiliation, is invited to openness and sharing with the poor through concrete signs of solidarity and fraternity. God created the heavens and the earth for all; yet sadly some have erected barriers, walls and fences, betraying the original gift meant for all humanity, with none excluded."
Resources for the World Day of the Poor (including prayers, homily helps and intercessions) are available through Catholic Relief Services.
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