The World Day of the Poor, established by Pope Francis and celebrated this year on Sunday 17 November, calls for reflection on the Gospel’s emphasis on poverty and encourages concrete action to aid those in need. This year’s theme is “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (Sirach 21:5).

In his message, Pope Francis emphasises listening to the cries of the poor and responding with sincere compassion. He calls for solidarity, encouraging the faithful to recognize the dignity of the marginalized and to respond with concrete support. The Pope also stresses the role of prayer in inspiring a commitment to justice, urging action that reflects the Gospel’s call to serve others.

Pause

Take a moment to still yourself. Take a deep breath and ask God for a renewed sense of presence with you in this moment.

Opening Prayer

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sing or listen

First Reading – Dn 12:1-3
Psalm 98 – Listen Here
Second Reading – Heb 10:11-14, 18

Gospel

Mark 13:24-32

Jesus said to his disciples:
“In those days after that tribulation
the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from the sky,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

“And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’
with great power and glory,
and then he will send out the angels
and gather his elect from the four winds,
from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

“Learn a lesson from the fig tree.
When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves,
you know that summer is near.
In the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that he is near, at the gates. 
Amen, I say to you,
this generation will not pass away
until all these things have taken place. 
Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.

“But of that day or hour, no one knows,
neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

This section is designed to be adapted depending on how you are gathering to pray. There are links to external resources for children and young people. There is also a reflection which can be used by individuals or adapted to be used in groups.

Closing Prayer

Prayer to make poverty history

Christ our Lord,
your light shines into the shadows,
and shows us
where the obstacles to change lie.
We know that often they are in our own hearts,
in the way we live, and in our daily choices and actions.

We pray that we may accept
the light of your love
as a challenge to change
ourselves and our world.

We pray that, each day,
we make the choices
and take the actions
that will bring an end to poverty and hunger,
and lead us all
towards a fairer world.

Be with us, Lord,
as we face your challenge
and learn how to live
our lives in love.

Amen.

Prayer by Linda Jones, Caritas Social Network UK