We are invited by Pope Francis to remember the third ‘World Day of the Poor’ on Sunday 17 November. In keeping with the Invitations from our 2016 Brigidine Congregational Forum we are called to “deepen our understanding of the complexity and inter-relatedness of factors” which so often leave people living in poverty, and to take opportunities to reach out to people experiencing financial hardship, homelessness and isolation.
In the following statement issued by Pope Francis he writes:
‘If the disciples of the Lord Jesus wish to be genuine evangelizers, they must sow tangible seeds of hope. I ask all Christian communities, and all those who feel impelled to offer hope and consolation to the poor, to help ensure that this World Day of the Poor will encourage more and more people to cooperate effectively so that no one will feel deprived of closeness and solidarity. May you always treasure the words of the prophet who proclaims a different future: “For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings” (Mal 3:20 [4:2]).’
