World Day of the Poor – November 16, 2025
Each year, on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church celebrates the World Day of the Poor. This special day was instituted by Pope Francis in 2017 to remind us that, as followers of Christ, we are called to live out His love in concrete ways, especially toward those who are most in need.
Pope Francis encourages Christian communities to "become an ever greater sign of Christ's charity for the least and those most in need." This day is not only a time for reflection but also an invitation to action. It challenges us to look beyond our own comforts and consider how we can reach out with compassion, generosity, and solidarity.
In our parish, the World Day of the Poor is an opportunity to reflect on the many forms of poverty around us—material, spiritual, and emotional. It calls us to serve with humility and love, whether through volunteering, offering a listening ear, or simply showing kindness to those who feel overlooked or forgotten.
Let us take this day as a reminder that Christ’s love is expressed through our actions. By helping the poor, we are not only assisting those in need but also encountering Christ Himself in our brothers and sisters.
As a parish, let us pray for all who suffer from poverty, and let us open our hearts and hands to be instruments of God’s mercy and compassion in our community.
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me."— Matthew 25:35
