November 19 is World Day of the Poor: Love not in word, but in deed
November 16th, 2017
“It would be a day to help communities and each of the baptized to reflect on how poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel and that, as long as Lazarus lies at the door of our homes (cf. Lk 16:19-21), there can be no justice or social peace. This day will also represent a genuine form of New Evangelization (cf. Mt 11:5) which can renew the face of the Church as she perseveres in her perennial activity of pastoral conversion and witness to mercy.”
— Pope Francis in his November 2016 apostolic letter Misericordia et Misera, closing the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.
The Church will celebrate the first World Day of the Poor on November 19, 2017, with the theme
“Love not in word, but in deed.” It is a call for the Church to advocate and pray for those in poverty. This year’s observance is exactly one year after the close of the Jubilee of Mercy. The World Day of the Poor was announced in Pope Francis’s closing letter for the Jubilee of Mercy. It will be celebrated in Rome and various dioceses and parishes around the world.
Read the message of His Holiness Pope Francis.
TAKE ACTION:
- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops created a pastoral aid that includes a homily resource reflecting on the Sunday readings and Pope Francis’ message. It also includes Prayer of the Faithful, a sample bulletin announcement, parish activity ideas, and more.
Download the resource in English
Download the resource in Spanish
- Download Catholic Relief Services World Day of the Poor resources for prayer and liturgy.
- Visit the Pontifical Council’s website for more information on the day’s events.
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Related keywords: New Evangelization, pontifical council for justice and peace, World Day of the Poor
