The Archdiocese of Manila through the Commission on Social Services and Development (CSSD) celebrated the 6th World Day of the Poor at the San Vicente de Paul Parish ground on November 12, 2022.
The half-day event was participated by 500 families in the archdiocese and enjoyed a free bath, haircut, breakfast and lunch. They were also given hygiene kits and food packs. The commission has also prepared exciting games for both children and adults. A medical mission was conducted to check the health conditions of the members of the participating families.
The occasion was highlighted by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Enrico Adoviso, commissioner of CSSD.
In an interview with Fr. Adoviso, he said the role of the church is not just to provide spiritual nourishment to the faithful but to provide total human development.
“Sana ang mga dukha makapasok sa simbahan hindi lang para sila’y bigyan o maging benepisyaryo ng simbahan kundi sila’y maging aktibong kalahok ng simbahan tapos maging lider sa simbahan,” Fr. Adoviso told the Archdiocese of Manila – Office of Communications.
“Tulungan natin sila hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay kundi kung paano natin maitatawid o maiaangat yung kanilang dignidad para nang sa ganon umalis na sila doon sa kahirapan,” he added.
In the Vatican, the Holy Father will preside over a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica to be attended by the poor people and other faithful who wish to take part. After the celebration, the Vatican News said that 1,300 poor people will be offered a festive meal in the Paul VI Hall.
Pope Francis has also tasked the Dicastery for Evangelization to promote the event and to organize various activities in the Vatican and Rome for the whole week’s celebration.
There will be free medical examinations in mobile clinics and the distribution of medicines to the poor in Rome. There will also be a camper equipped to carry out tests for hepatitis C, HIV and tuberculosis. Food boxes with food items offered by the Italian chain market will be delivered to 5,000 poor families in Rome. Financial support will also be given to families who are struggling to pay for electricity and gas bills to help reduce the financial burden.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “For your sakes Christ became poor”, (2 Cor 8:9).
“May this 2022 World Day of the Poor be for us a moment of grace. May it enable us to make a personal and communal examination of conscience and to ask ourselves whether the poverty of Jesus Christ is our faithful companion in life,” Pope Francis said in his message.
The World Day of the Poor is celebrated every 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time and was established by Pope Francis as he promulgated his Apostolic Letter, Misericordia et Misera on November 20, 2016, to celebrate the Extraordinary Year of Mercy. (Jheng Prado/RCAM-AOC | Photo by Genieve Genuino/RCAM-AOC | Photogallery)
