World day of the Poor 2026

The Lord is the refuge of the poor (cf. Ps 14,6)

In a few weeks, the world will mark again the World Day of the Poor. It is a day to step back and see from a world view the real situation of those in need in the world. As Vincentians, God has called us to care for the poor. As measuring tools we use hunger, homelessness, lack of clothing and essential goods. We also look at if use of food banks have gone down or have gone up.

We must ask ourselves if the day to day life of those in need has improved. Are those in need today better off than those in need a year ago? Is that person in need today the same person that was in need last year at this time? The world economy often affects our level of prosperity.

We feel frustrated because we know that we have a great challenge ahead of us. Convincing governments and foundations to focus funds and priorities on the poor is not easy. Getting people to even understand what a living wage means is a place to start. Balancing long term goals with immediate needs is not easy. Combatting the effects of generational poverty requires a sustained effort. Providing food and clothing for today must also come with education and jobs to help in the long term. The bigger task is to have everyone make helping the poor a high priority in all phases of our society.

The absence of God in the world no longer places people side by side in mutual respect, but places one above the other in a relationship of domination and oppression.

Pope Leo tells us the poor of our day are the forgotten and the marginalized: robbed not only of bread, but also of a voice and a face. Even in their poverty or weakness, no one should feel abandoned and feel that there is no hope.

Jesus tells us that we will always have the poor.

He taught us to love our neighbours, especially those in need. We ask God to help us to love and serve him in the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and especially persons in need. May he grant us wisdom to make good decisions in our ministry to persons in need, strength to carry out those decisions, humility to accept the ideas of others, and joy in striving to alleviate poverty in our society and to provide adequate housing as a basic human right for all.

Our goal is to make life better for those in need. Fill the minds and hearts of the wealthy with an openness to be partners in finding and creating adequate housing for persons in need.

We must also pray to our Blessed Mother, and relying on the intercession of St. Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederic Ozanam, that they will intercede for us to the Father on behalf of the poor.

May the Lord grant success to all our endeavours to help the poor.

Deacon John Girolami
SSVP ONRC Spiritual Advisor