HONG KONG (SE): “If I recognise God’s love, but that love does not motivate me to love my brothers and sisters, how can that be true love for God?” asked Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing as he explained the theme for the World Day of the Poor, “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” [Sirach 21:5].
Bishop Ha, speaking via video, explained Pope Francis’s emphasis that the poor have a special place in God’s heart and the importance of recognising their plight and acting upon it, while criticising the world’s tendency to prioritise wealth and power. Quoting the pope, the bishop urged translating faith into concrete actions that support the poor, rather than just offering empty gestures.
In response to the World Day of the Poor, observed on November 17, the Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs also initiated a series of events to remind participants to support the poor in their daily lives. A launching ceremony and prayer meeting were held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Sham Shui Po, on October 27.
Father Timothy Wan Kwok-kwong, vice-chairperson of the Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs, shared his reflections on the pope’s message during the launching ceremony. Father Wan said that World Day of the Poor is not a yearly fixture, but rather an opportunity for us to pay special attention to those in need in our daily lives. “Whether we are religious or lay, we need to take a moment to reflect on whether or not we are aware of the poor around us,” he said.
…the Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs also initiated a series of events to remind participants to support the poor in their daily lives.
Father Wan reminded that “the poor” does not only refer to people living in material poverty, as those who are abandoned or trapped in loneliness also need our concern. “We must also recognise and accompany these people as well,” he said.
In addition, he stressed that while it is important to provide care for the vulnerable and those in need, the ones who provide assistance also need support and companionship. He reminded volunteers working for the poor not to forget their spiritual nourishment and to become an “oil lamp” lit up by the Holy Spirit. “As people who are trying to care for others, I hope that we do not end up burning out and losing ourselves in the end,” he said.
A prayer meeting and sharing session followed in which Ellis Suen Hon-wah president of the Hong Kong Central Council; Peter Hung, leader of the social concern group of Annunciation Church, Tsuen Wan; as well as a group that vists the homeless initiated by the laity in Ss. Cosmas and Damian Church, Tsuen Wan; were invited to talk about their ministries. The international, parish, and lay communities highlighted the importance of prayer and mutual encouragement in caring for the poor together.
Oscar Lai, formation officer of the commission, reported that approximately 90 people representing various schools and parishes attended the sharing session. “As evidenced by the increased attendance and their heartfelt sharing and commitment to the cause, there is a growing awareness and commitment to the poor within the community,” he said.
As people who are trying to care for others, I hope that we do not end up burning out and losing ourselves in the end
Father Wan
He urged the faithful to actively join the programme for World Day for the Poor to better equip themselves for the year of jubilee.
In a seven-day prayer initiative starting November 10, Father Aloysius Mak, Franciscan Brother William Ng and five other consecrated persons will guide participants through online reflections and papal encyclicals on poverty.
The programme will culminate in a Thanksgiving Mass to be celebrated by Father Stephen Lo sj at Holy Mother Church in Hung Hom on November 17. Father Lo, a former social worker, will lead group discussions before the Mass to reflect on the meaning of “the poor” we may have encountered in our lives.
Additionally, the commission will distribute prayer cards in Chinese and English for use in parishes, groups and organisations, and urged parishes to use the prayer on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [November 17].
It also provides a website with resources, including Pope Francis’ messages since 2017, testimonies, information on poverty in Hong Kong, and a booklet on the previous poverty experience programme.
