Pope Francis has declared Sunday 19 November 2023 to be the seventh World Day of the Poor, with the theme of “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor” (Tobit 4:7)
In his message for this World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis reflects on the example of Tobit. He considers how the Book of Tobit teaches us to be realistic and practical in whatever we do with and for those suffering from poverty, writing that “caring for the poor is more than simply a matter of a hasty hand-out; it calls for reestablishing the just interpersonal relationships that poverty harms.” You can find the full message here.
Join us in Prayer and Action
Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), has created a World Day of the Poor novena. This is a helpful prayer resource for parish and chaplaincy groups, staff teams, or schools. This year there is also a short essay on poverty and a reminder of the See-Judge-Act method.
CAFOD have created a range of helpful prayers here.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has also recently updated its statement on the cost of living crisis. Please share this statement with your local MP.