Caritas Internationalis
By Agenzia Fides
Nov 17 2020
VATICAN CITY – “We want to ensure that people who live in poverty can make an active contribution to building an inclusive and just society, a transforming Caritas and a welcoming Church”, said the spiritual guide of Caritas Internationalis, Msgr Pierre Cibambo, in the Message for the World Day of the Poor 2020, on November 15.
“Let’s not forget that this special day in honor of our brothers and sisters in need is called ‘World Day of the Poor’ and not ‘World Day for the Poor’. In fact, it is not just about sharing some of our wealth with the poor but we also receive something from them”- underlines Mgr. Cibambo. In a true Christian community, there are no members who give and others who receive. There are only neighbors who share, because in Christ we are all one.
The spiritual guide emphasizes how much the hand we extend to the poor is not only a hand that distributes, but also a hand that needs help. “We need the poor as much as they need us. They challenge us to become more and more true witnesses of Christ. When we meet the poor, we listen to them and accompany them, and it is they who evangelize us. The poor invite us to open our hearts and transform our narrow and worldly vision to see Christ in their presence here on earth”.
The President of Caritas Internationalis, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, said: “The great lesson in my life as a Shepherd was to reach out to the poor, without many words, but with a heart ready to listen and learn from them. Before saying a single word, it is important to know the person in front of you. By listening respectfully to the poor, you strenghten their dignity”.
The message of Msgr Cibambo concludes with an appeal to friends around the world to “reflect on what we have learned from the poor on a personal and community level, and to ensure that they are at the center of our thoughts and actions, at least on this day. An outstretched hand is a sign; a sign that speaks immediately of closeness, solidarity and love”. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 14/11/2020)
