"This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him"

Transcription

1 press kit "HOW I WISH FOR A CHURCH THAT IS POOR AND FOR THE POOR!" 2nd WORLD DAY OF THE POOR In all the dioceses of the world November 18th 2018 "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him" (Ps 33,7) Press contact wearefratello

2 WHO WE ARE HISTORY PROJECT In October 2014, the first pilgrimage to Rome gathered 200 homeless pilgrims. There and then, the idea was born to establish the World Day of the Poor. In November 2016, Fratello charity (founded in March 2016) took more than 3,500 homeless people and their pastors to Rome, coming from 22 European countries as part of the Jubilee of Mercy. During the general audience, Etienne Villemain, Fratello s chairman, asked Pope Francis for the creation of the World Day of the Poor. The Holy Father granted his consent and one week later, he announced in his ecclesiastical letter «Misericordia et Misera» the World Day of the Poor which will take place each year on the 33 rd Sunday of the Ordinary time. The first world day was celebrated in many parishes, dioceses and Catholic communities on the 19 th of November The coming world day will take place on the 18 th of November Many dioceses are organizing gatherings and special events. We are currently investigating the idea of an international gathering around the Holy Father in 2019 or 2020, likely in Assisi. THE WORLD DAY OF THE POOR MESSAGE OF POPE FRANCIS «At the conclusion of the Jubilee of Mercy, I wanted to offer the Church the World Day of the Poor, so that throughout the world Christian communities can become an ever greater sign of Christ s charity for the least and those most in need. To the World Days instituted by my Predecessors,I wish to add this one.» «I invite the whole Church, and men and women of good will everywhere, to turn their gaze on this day to all those who stretch out their hands and plead for our help and solidarity.» Fragment of Pope Francis letter at the first World Day of the Poor (19 th November 2017)

3 Several events will be locally hold, but this year, Cardinal Barbarin and Fratello initiated a movement with twelve dioceses of big cities in order to unite behind the World Day of the Poor and offer events made with and for the most vulnerable people: In Europe: Paris (France), Vienna (Austria), Madrid (Spain) In America: New York & Boston (USA), Quebec (Canada), Santiago (Chili) In Asia: Manila (Philippines) In Africa: Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Bangui (Central African Republic), Antananarivo (Madagascar) In Oceania: Wellington (New Zealand) THE 3 MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THIS DAY «A POOR CHURCH FOR THE POOR!» We wish that the poor, homeless and vulnerable ones could experience exceptional moments of prayer which will fulfil their life with peace and joy. It is the opportunity to tell them: «You are the wealth of the Church! You are its most important part!» TO MEET THE MOST VULNARABLE ONES This day is a unique opportunity to gather the Lazarus of our times and wealthy parishioners, and to initiate beautiful relationships and friendships: «When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your rich neighbours; invite the poor,... and you will be blessed!» (Luke 14:12-14) EVANGELIZATION, BY THE POOR FOR THE POOR! The Holy Father entrust the Pontifical Council for New Evangelization this day. Indeed these gatherings are by themselves an opportunity to testify: the most vulnerable ones were given the Gospel, and our friendship with them is a Gospel! «The poors evangelize us, by helping us to discover every day the beauty of the Gospel» (Fragment of the message from June 13 th 2018 for this day)

4 SUGGESTED PROGRAM In order to organize the World Day of the Poor, Fratello suggests the following program: to begin with, Fratello offers an online retreat from Monday November the 12th until Friday November the 16th. FRIDAY, 16TH OF NOVEMBER 2018 GOD CONSOLES Solemn vigil Concert / Testimony / Prayer Time... SATURDAY, 17TH OF NOVEMBER 2018 GOD FORGIVES Glorious psalms / Breakfast Meeting with witnesses Lunch Workshops / Meetings / Time spent together Marian Procession / Vigil of Mercy / Feet washing / Adoration / Confession... SUNDAY, 18TH NOVEMBER 2018 GOD GIVES HOPE Glorious psalms Mass in the Cathedral or big sanctuary Festive lunch

5 Elodie Perriot A FEW PROGRAM EXEMPLES IN DIOCESES In the Vatican, Pope Francis invites the poor of the diocese of Rome for the Holy Mass at St Peter s Basilica, and for a lunch. In Ouagadougou, Most Reverend Ouédraogo In Paris, the program is hold over three invites to an interreligious supper chaired by the days: head of state. In Wellington, Throughout the week of November, parishes of the Archdiocese are being invited to sponsor a meal at the Compassion Soup Kitchen. Parishes are also being encouraged to increase their regular contributions to their local foodbanks by taking a wheelbarrow, rather than a box, of food Wednesday 14 November, the Wellington Catholic Commission for Justice, Peace and Development is holding a reflection/social analysis day on our experiences advocating for beneficiaries at two Benefit Impact events held in the Archdiocese Saturday 17 November 10am-5pm St Vincent de Paul pop-up free stores: in three parts of Wellington (Newtown, Hutt Valley, Porirua/Kāpiti) offering free clothing and food Sunday 18 November at 10.30am. Mass for the World Day of the Poor St Michael s, Taita, Te Awakairangi parish Friday, 16th of November : Launch of the World Day of the Poor in Paris at Sacré Cœur Basilica 7pm : Prayer vigil chaired by Most Reverend Aupetit. Pilgrimage arrival / Prayer / Adoration / Sacrament of reconciliation / Music / choirs / Witnesses Saturday, 17th of November: The Open Doors of Solidarity In five diocese parishes: Saint-Honoré d Eylau, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Séverin, Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Grenelle et NotreDame de Clignancourt. Lunch shared with the most vulnerable ones / Witnesses / Visits of poor and sick peoples, of prisoners, marauding / Coaching / Show, movie, artistical event Sunday, 18th of November: Diocese Gathering At Saint-Eustache parish. 11am: Mass presided by Most Reverend Aupetit followed by a festive feast in the church.

6 OUR 5 MOST RELEVANT PRINCIPLES Fratello in Italian means «brother». This brotherhood is based on 5 principles coming from the Acts of the Apostles. They set the base of the World Day of the Poor. 1/ PRAYER & ADORATION To love God, feel His presence, feel His love is, to, first of all, discover him as a father. During the World Day of the Poor, we would like to strongly experience the Love, feel as the children of the same Father, so as the brothers of each others.. 2/ BROTHERHOOD LIFE Brotherhood life and joy can be an experience, which we wish to offer to every single participant of the World Day of the Poor. Being part of this day is an opportunity to experience the brotherhood life: sharing, speaking to each other, doing things not for the poor, but with them! 3/ MERCY «Be devoted to one another in love...», in this manner we find whether the World Day of the Poor was successful. Prove to your neighbour that he or she is a dignified God s child who is ready to receive the Gospel. WORD OF GOD (ACTS 2, 42-47) «They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.» 4/ LEARN AND GROW EVEN MORE Presence, assistance, listening... and even to love: you can learn this! We never cease to be disciples, we learn from each other, we shall start with our poorest brothers and sisters... who are our masters, as Saint Vincent de Paul stated! 5/ TESTIMONIAL Testimonial is the first step of my life with God. Let me become an apostle! During these days, I wish to preach Jesus, His death and resurrection to anyone who has not met Him yet. At the same time, I will welcome the Gospel from the most vulnerable ones.