A man pulled food out of a dumpster May 19 in San Francisco. (Bob Roller / OSV News)
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“The World Day of the Poor … is a pastoral opportunity not to be underestimated, for it challenges every believer to listen to the prayer of the poor, becoming aware of their presence and needs. It is an opportune occasion to implement initiatives that concretely help the poor and to recognize and support the many volunteers who dedicate themselves passionately to those most in need.” (Message from Pope Francis for World Day of the Poor, Nov. 17)
This Nov. 17, Pope Francis invites us all to pause, to listen and to hear the prayer of the poor. His message for World Day of the Poor centers on the theme, “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (Sir 21:5).
Our Holy Father points out the Scripture’s teaching that “Christian hope embraces the certainty that our prayer reaches God’s presence; not just any prayer but rather the prayer of the poor.” Pope Francis urges us to “read” the prayer of the poor on their faces and in their stories — to share in their struggles so that we may all find healing together.
He reminds all that “God knows the sufferings of his children because he is an attentive and caring father,” always caring for “the poor, the marginalized, the suffering and the forgotten.” This message is a call to both prayer and to action with the poor.
Pope Francis reminds us that in the Gospel, “We are called in every circumstance to be friends of the poor, following in the footsteps of Jesus who always began by showing solidarity when dealing with the least among us.” Christ’s Gospel call involves responding to the prayer of the poor with actions which can begin by “giving a little attention, a smile, a caress, a word of comfort.” God calls us all to an active response with the poor to overcome poverty as obstacle to integral human development for all.
This year, Nov. 17 is also the Sunday for the annual collection in the United States for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops founded CCHD in 1970 to support the efforts of people experiencing the struggle to overcome the complex challenges of poverty in this country.
CCHD has involved Catholics nationwide in addressing the roots of poverty and promoting effective pathways for people to build better lives and stronger communities by creating good jobs, affordable housing and safe neighborhoods.
Importantly, 25% of all contributions to diocesan CCHD collections remain in the diocese, directly impacting lives in these local communities.
Here in Hawaii, CCHD donations support effective community efforts to help survivors of natural disasters rebuild their lives; low-income families through nonprofit organizations construct and own affordable housing; and formerly incarcerated persons re-enter society as valued contributing members in their families and communities.
One of these inspiring CCHD-funded programs is the “peer support specialists” initiative of persons (with the lived experience of transitioning from prison and recovering from substance addiction) assisting others with similar challenges in overcoming poverty. Peer support specialists do this by providing their services through social support, group facilitation, skill building, individual mentoring and goal setting toward a sustained recovery process.
CCHD has also supported peer support specialists in working with diocese and parish volunteers on the “Star Light, Star Bright” Christmas event at the Women’s Correctional Community Center.
This event reunites incarcerated women with their children and care-providing family members from all over the Hawaiian islands. Keiki get to experience the joy and hope of Christmas alongside their mothers and other family caregivers in a warm, festive environment filled with food and fun as one ohana.
These are just a few ways CCHD supports efforts to address complex challenges of overcoming poverty here in Hawaii.
In his letter promoting this year’s annual national November collection for CCHD on the World Day for the Poor, Bishop Larry Silva appeals for all to support this effort. “I strongly encourage all to give generously to the CCHD collection as a way of giving witness to Jesus, responding to the prayer of the poor by building a world with justice for all.” (Please see Page 3 to read Bishop Silva’s full letter.)
For more on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development nationwide, visit www.usccb.org/committees/catholic-campaign-human-development. For more information on “Star Light, Star Bright” and other ways CCHD supports faith-inspired efforts to participate in addressing the challenges of poverty in Hawaii, please visit www.officeforsocialministry.org.
Mahalo,
Your friends in the Office for Social Ministry
