By Christina Hermoso
The Catholic Church will observe the third World Day of the Poor on November 17 with the theme “The hope of the poor shall not perish forever.” (Psalms).
(Caritas Social Action Network UK / MANILA BULLETIN)
Pope Francis designated the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time each year as World Day of the Poor two years ago as an invitation to “all the people around the world to do good deeds for the poor and to open their arms for people living in povert0y.”
Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona, head of the National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace called on dioceses and parishes to mark the day “as our expression of solidarity, love and services to the poor.”
A Holy Mass will be held in all churches at 8 a.m. to be followed by activities such as a visit to poor communities, visit to prisoners, a medical mission or hospital visit, a feeding session, and a forum or dialogue on social justice for the poor. These visits will include distribution of gifts.
Churchgoers are also requested to give during the masses offertory packages for the poor such as hygiene kits, food packs, kids pack, medicines, and other supplies.
“The giving or sharing of offertory packages is a small gesture to restore hope for the poor. Genuine love, concern, and service to the poor go beyond initiatives of assistance,” Tirona said.