World Day of the Poor
19th November 2023
The Seventh Annual World Day of the Poor
For this year’s World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis has instructed us “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor (Tob 4:7).” – a message taken from the Book of Tobit.
Once again, Pope Francis has issued a call to action, a call to encounter one another.
We are called to acknowledge every poor person and every form of poverty, abandoning the indifference and the banal excuses we make to protect our illusory well-being.” - Pope Francis, 2023
Poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand
Poverty is driven by many factors – a lot of them structural inequalities that have existed for decades. People can fall into poverty at any time. Many children are born into poverty, and face systemic barriers which make it harder for them to access opportunities that others are given and escape the cycle of poverty.
Growing up in poverty can have significant impacts access to future opportunities such as education, high paying employment, a stable living situation. It also increases the likelihood of cycles of generational poverty.
“The poor become a film clip that can affect us for a moment, yet when we encounter them in flesh and blood on our streets, we are annoyed and look the other way. Haste, by now the daily companion of our lives, prevents us from stopping to help care for others.” Pope Francis, 2023.
According to the most recent statistics:
1 in 7 (15.4 percent) children are living in households that had less than $21,000 per year in disposable income.
1 in 10 (10.3 percent) children are living in households experiencing material hardship – which means their households are unable to afford necessities such as fresh fruit and vegetables, heating, accommodation, transport, education.
Poverty affects millions of lives, stripping away dignity and opportunity. Play your part in making poverty history, not just on the World Day of the Poor, but every day. Let’s use this day to extend our hands, open our hearts, and build a world where empathy guides our actions, ensuring that no one is left in the shadows of poverty.
Song suggestions for World Day of the Poor
Hymns Old and New (Blue book)
20 All that I am
29 A new commandment
160 God’s spirit is in my heart
551 Whatsoever you do
Alleluia Aotearoa
85 Let justice roll down
Sing Praise
144 Be thou my vision V 1,2,4
How Bethlehem University is countering structural poverty through education
(Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand partners with Bethlehem University to help build peace in the Holy Land)
In an unstable, conflict-stricken environment, Bethlehem University provides education to students in the West Bank, providing a pathway to future opportunities.
Education is a key contributor to breaking cycles of poverty.
Bethlehem University was set up in 1973, the first university established in the West Bank. The university’s vision is to serve students in their integral development and to contribute to building a free, peaceful, and vibrant Palestine.
Attendance at the university has grown from 112 in 1973, to 3,300 in 2023.
An update from Brother Peter Bray:
How is Bethlehem University encouraging peace and addressing poverty?
“We are working against the causes of injustice and poverty…seeking to free students from all that limits their capacity to develop themselves freely and with dignity. By doing this we are seeking to follow what Jesus wanted people to experience and so bring peace to this land.”
There are many students from families that struggle financially. Bethlehem University attempts to provide those who need support with financial aid and scholarships, so that they can continue their studies.
(Road to the entrance of Bethlehem University)
(Zbierski Library, Bethlehem University)
What is Bethlehem University’s approach to building relationships for a positive education experience?
“Applying De La Salle's approach, Bethlehem University puts great emphasis on the importance of the adults at the University being brothers and sisters to one another and older brothers and sisters to the young people entrusted to the University. The attempt is made to build thoughtful, respectful, compassionate, and harmonious relationships at Bethlehem University and so create here a little oasis of peace in the midst of the disorder and chaos that surrounds our students.”
What are the key challenges for Bethlehem University at the present time?
Hiring suitable staff – the Israeli Government will not allow the hiring of foreign employees.
Finding funds for the university – reliant on external financial support as well as tuition from students.
Danger to Christians – defacing of Christian sites, harassment of Christians in the street – causing unease amongst students.
Mental health impacts on students and staff
“Because of the experience of oppression arising from the occupation, there is a major mental health issue amongst students as well as faculty and staff. Much of this comes from the traumas so many of them have experienced through military invasion of their homes, being arrested on administrative detention when the Israeli military do not have to give any reason for the arrest or say how long it will last” - Br Peter Bray, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University.
(Students gathering in open spaces at Bethlehem University)
