HONG KONG (SE): “Caring for the poor does not mean using descriptions, slogans or leaflets to help people understand the meaning of poverty. As Christians, we should enter into their world. Through our contacts, we can listen to them, communicate with and accept them. It is only in that way that we can better understand the meaning of poverty. The relationship should be real, warm and loving,” said Father Francis Xavier Wong Kwan-yau in his homily during a Mass marking the World Day of the Poor at St. Benedict’s Church on November 14.
The Mass was organised by the Hong Kong Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs.
The poor you will always have with you [Mark 14:7] was chosen as the theme for the fifth World Day of the Poor.
In his message for the day, Pope Francis encouraged people to develop an empathy with the poor and understand how they feel, in the same way as the woman who understood Jesus’ worries over his death and poured precious ointment over him, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark.
VaticanNews reported that for the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the pope symbolically carried a wooden pastoral staff and walked down the central aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate Mass for World Day of the Poor on November 14.
In his homily he explained the significance of the day saying, “The World Day of the Poor asks us to not look away, to not be afraid to take a close look at the suffering of the most vulnerable.”
The pope said that it is not always possible to solve humanity’s greatest challenges, but that we can ensure those who suffer are not alone.
It is hard for me as a retired person to save. I cannot imagine how a family with children can manage to meet both ends
Christina Lo
“We will not be able to do good without compassion. At most we will do good things, but they are not the Christian way because they do not touch the heart,” the pope said. He reminded the faithful of the task of every Christian to bring healing to the sick and to alleviate the pains of fellow brethren.
“We are asked to nurture tomorrow’s hope by healing today’s pain. The two are linked: if you do not work to heal today’s pain, it will be hard to have hope for tomorrow,” Pope Francis said.
In the diocese of Hong Kong, a week before the World Day of the Poor, the Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs posted audio reflections on social media platforms inviting people to spend 20 minutes each day praying for the poor. Audio messages from Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Shi-ching and six others including priests, sisters and laypeople were posted.
The commission also organised an annual seven-day poverty programme in which participants were recommended to spend no more than $753 for a week. The limit was calculated based on the statutory minimum wage of $37.5 per hour and was expected to cover food, telephone charges and travelling expenses. Rent and utility expenses were excluded from the week’s expenses. Around 170 people joined the programme.
Christina Lo Wai-chun, who had over $300 dollars leftover at the end of the campaign, won a “perseverance prize” for saving most of the money. Lo said she was determined to understand how the poor feel and refrain from travelling or having meals outside. She did not buy any daily necessities except food. “It is hard for me as a retired person to save. I cannot imagine how a family with children can manage to meet both ends,” she said.
The labour commission also held sharing sessions for participants. Representatives of the different marginalised groups were invited to speak about their lives.
Martin Chan Chun-yip, a person with emotional disabilities and now working as a warehouse assistant, recounted that he is paid the minimum hourly wage of $37.5. He gives $1,000 to his mother to support his family. He is happy to work but, during the pandemic, there were several months when he was on unpaid leave.
Pius Luk Lok-pui, another participant of the programme, spoke about his November 7 visit with an old couple living on a rooftop in Shek Wu Hui, Sheung Shui, organised by the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers in the New Territories. He recounted that the rent for the 200 square foot space was $2,500, which accounted for most of their monthly expenses, but the old couple remained happy and contented. “They need continuous care and concern, which is more important than money,” Luk said.
