Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - "In our beloved Archdiocese of Buenos Aires we want to dedicate the month of November to a careful reflection on how we treat the poor, how we accompany them, the challenges we face and to a reconciliation with the various forms of poverty". This was stated by Caritas staff and representatives of the Argentine Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, in view of the VIII World Day of the Poor, celebrated by the Catholic Church on November 17th.
Launched by Pope Francis in 2017 to reaffirm the importance of the fight against poverty, every year in November initiatives are launched around the world and in particular the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, together with Caritas, has put forward proposals and recommendations to further support an attitude of charity and solidarity towards the weakest.
Above all, we are invited to reflect on the difference between the concept of charity and solidarity. Solidarity appears as an authentic relationship between people, a sign of "concrete concern for the other" by "putting oneself in their shoes". But above all, charity must be renewed, because "charity does not confer dignity, but, in the Christian sense, offers tools to find ways that encourage us to reflect, rethink, rediscover and reassess human dignity".
Caritas also insists on the culture of encounter, which "guarantees the ability to listen attentively and respond sincerely. We must face the stormy sea of existence in order to find global solutions. There is no magic when it comes to charity. Encounter awakens a deep desire to welcome the other, to listen to him, to discern and to act consistently to promote the common good".
In a new podcast "En Camino" of the Church of Buenos Aires, the vice president of Cáritas, Father Sebastián García, spoke about the initiatives for this month of the poor. On this occasion, the priest also spoke about what is at the heart of it and what his expectations are for implementing the various proposals in the community.
Community prayers, moments of meditation and education on topics such as life on the street and addiction, as well as intergenerational meetings and works of mercy in the parish vicariates are planned for each week of November. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 8/11/2024)
