On November 17th, the Church observed the 8th World Day of the Poor, focusing on Pope Francis’ theme for this year: “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (cf. Sirach 21:5). This theme was released on the memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, patron saint of the poor.
In his message, Pope Francis reminds us that the prayers of the poor call on all of us to listen, respond, and act. He writes, “The prayer of the poor expresses their trust in the presence of God, and it compels us to hear and accompany them in their journey.”
For the Religious Sisters of Charity, this call to action resonates deeply. From the beginning of our Congregation, we have been inspired by Mary Aikenhead’s unwavering dedication to serving the poor, sick, and marginalised. She not only provided material aid but also worked tirelessly to restore dignity and hope. Her writings reflect this profound commitment, as she declared: “The poor are the chosen children of God, but we are called to be the instruments of His mercy and protection in their favour.”
We continue to live out this legacy through our various ministries around the world, working to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in society. Our sisters work tirelessly to support the homeless by providing shelter, warm meals, and pathways to stability. They also visit prisoners, offering pastoral care and guidance. In Nigeria, Malawi, and Zambia, our Sisters serve in communities facing extreme poverty and limited access to basic resources. They provide healthcare through clinics, hospitals and outreach programs as well as education programmes that empower women and children to break the cycle of poverty through learning new skills. They stand in solidarity with those affected by domestic violence, offering safe spaces, counselling, and opportunities for healing and rebuilding lives.
Across all regions where we have ministries, we are also deeply committed to combatting human trafficking that traps countless individuals in cycles of exploitation. By raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting survivors with care and resources, our Sisters work to restore dignity and freedom to those who have been victims of exploitation.
As we reflect on this year’s theme, “The prayer of the poor rises up to God,” we are reminded that hearing the prayer of the poor compels us to act. Like Mary Aikenhead, we are called to see Christ in the face of the poor and to respond with compassion, dignity, and justice.
On this World Day of the Poor, may we renew our commitment to listening to the cry of the poor, walking with them in solidarity, and ensuring their prayers rise not only to God but also to a world willing to embrace them with love.
