Church to observe 4th World Day of the Poor on Nov. 15
The Catholic Church will observe the 4th World Day of the Poor on November 15.
In the Archdiocese of Manila, parishes,communities and organizations have been urged to observe the occasion by giving five kilos of rice to poor families in their respective areas.
"Our Commission on Social Services and Development asks every parish, community, and organization in the Archdiocese of Manila to give five kilos of rice to at least 100 poor families in our areas," Father Reginald Malicdem, chancellor of the archdiocese,said in a circular letter dated November 10.
The World Day of the Poor was established by the Holy Father Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter, Misericordia et Misera that was issued on November 20, 2016, to celebrate the Extraordinary Year of Mercy. It is celebrated every 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Malicdem also asked priests and chaplains to observe Alay Kapwa Special Sunday on the said day.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared November 15 as Alay Kapwa Special Sunday.
"We are aware of the financial difficulties that many of our parishioners are experiencing now because of the pandemic," said Malicdem.
"But we can still appeal to their generosity and make them aware that the funds collected for Alay Kapwa are used to respond to the needs of those affected by calamities," he added.
Malicdem said a second collection may be taken on all Sunday Masses on November 15 for the said purpose.Â
He added that the collections must be remitted to the Treasury and Accounting Department of the Arzobispado.
Alay Kapwa is a fundraising program of the Roman Catholic Church for social services of the poor and the most in need, especially during times of disaster.
Funds raised from Alay Kapwa will be used as emergency funds for both natural and human-caused calamities like typhoons, floods, fire, earthquakes, and other tragedies and crises, and for disaster prevention and mitigation programs.