WORLD DAY OF THE POOR

Since the first World Day of the Poor was celebrated on 19 November 2017, established by His Holiness Pope Francis, the occasion has become an important and sober reflection on the importance of reaching out and supporting the poor.

Last year’s World Day of the Poor was no exception, as His Holiness Pope Francis reminded us on the day about the importance of inclusion.

“The poor are not people “outside” our communities, but brothers and sisters whose sufferings we should share, in an effort to alleviate their difficulties and marginalisation, restore their lost dignity and ensure their necessary social inclusion.”

Pope Francis spoke these words on the Fifth Day of the Poor, which took place on Sunday 13 November 2021. In his address, he reminded followers of the inseparable link between Jesus, the poor and the proclamation of the Gospel.

“The poor, always and everywhere, evangelize us, because they enable us to discover in new ways the true face of the Father. They have much to teach us. Besides participating in the sensus fidei, they know the suffering Christ through their own sufferings. It is necessary that we all let ourselves be evangelized by them.”

Members shared in this significant day by reaching out with deeds to support the poor.

In Melbourne, it was an unusually cold November day for the fifth World Day of the Poor with a top temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. Members of the South Eastern region had the opportunity to do a ‘Coats for the Homeless’ run as well as extra special care packs that included flavoured milk and protein/ energy bars to mark this day as special.

This was the first opportunity for new member

Michael Murphy to participate in the Order’s homeless outreach due to COVID lockdown restrictions.

“The first thing that struck me was the number of people on the street in need of help,” said Michael. “There was also an overwhelming positive response and much gratitude from all those we spoke to. They were all familiar with the works of the Knights and Dames and appreciated our efforts to connect, listen and serve them. The Order certainly calls forth goodness in people and we were able to see this in action and that’s so important.”

In slightly warmer weather up in Brisbane, Order of Malta Members and volunteers gathered at the Emmanuel City Mission (ECM) to welcome people in need to the sanctuary. North Eastern Regional Hospitaller Danny Higgins and young Member Caroline Grogan led the volunteer team in offering a free and friendly breakfast, sausage sizzle lunch and special take home treats.

“I appreciate seeing the resilience of the human spirit in action,” Caroline shared. “Where people come in after a rough night and we witness their tense demeanour soften as they are greeted with warmth, kindness and respect.”

In the spirit of the day, a young woman seeking extra clothes was happy to receive more than she expected. Over 40 attendees shared the communal atmosphere, and the volunteers were spiritually nourished.

“It feels special to help at ECM and see the positive impact in people’s lives,” Alice reflected.

Kylie agreed, sharing that serving people in need is a mutually “enriching experience”.

The sixth World Day of the Poor will take place on Sunday 13 November 2022.