On November 17, the Catholic Church celebrated the VIII World Day of the Poor.
On this occasion, the head of the Department of Social Service, Exarch of Kharkiv, Bishop Vasyl Tuchapets, expressed gratitude “for caring for the needy and developing social service in parishes, especially in these trying times of war.” This was reported by the Information Department of the UGCC.
Bishop Vasyl nored that the Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, has proclaimed a permanent campaign, “Feed the Poor”, to this day.
“The campaign encourages each parish to collect food and basic necessities and help the victims of Russian aggression, “healing the wounds of war,” explained the Kharkiv Exarch of the UGCC.
The bishop noted that on the occasion of the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis issued a message “The prayer of a poor man shall come from the mouth unto (the) ears of God” (Sirach 21:5).
“In the message, His Holiness noted the importance of being in solidarity with the poor, giving them attention, prayer and a sign of love, revealing God to them, and condemning those who cause violence through wars. The Pope calls for prayer to become a way to share suffering with the poor through the recognition of Christ in them,” said the head of the Department of Social Services.
“The manifestation of mercy is a tangible testimony of the Christian faith and a clear sign that the Church lives, develops and proclaims the Gospel,” said Bishop Vasyl.
According to Vatican News, on the occasion of the World Day of the Poor this Sunday, Pope Francis also thanked “those who have organized initiatives of solidarity with the most disadvantaged in dioceses and parishes.” The Pope invited us to think about whether we deprive ourselves of something to give to the poor, and when we give alms, whether we touch the poor person's hand or look him in the eye. “Brothers and sisters, let us not forget that the poor cannot wait!” His Holiness emphasized.
The Pope also called for prayer for peace “in long-suffering Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan.” “War makes people inhuman and encourages them to tolerate unacceptable crimes. Let the rulers hear the voice of the peoples begging for peace,” Pope Francis called, concluding the traditional Sunday meeting with the faithful held in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.