Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
“The prayer of the poor rises up to God”
November 17, 2024
On November 17, 2024, the Catholic Church celebrates the Eighth World Day of the Poor. This day calls us to pay attention to those in need and to open our hearts to prayer, love, and mercy.
In his message on the occasion of the Eighth World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis reflects on the words from the book of Sirach: “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (Sirach 21:5), calling us to see Christ in every poor person. His Holiness Pope Francis reminds us: “We are called in every circumstance to be friends of the poor, following in the footsteps of Jesus, who always began by showing solidarity when dealing with the least among us.”
The Pope also emphasises the importance of this day: “The World Day of the Poor has now become a fixture for every ecclesial community. It is a pastoral opportunity not to be underestimated, for it challenges every believer to listen to the prayer of the poor, becoming aware of their presence and needs. It is an opportune occasion to implement initiatives that concretely help the poor and to recognise and support the many volunteers who dedicate themselves passionately to those most in need.”
A special example of sacrifice and solidarity with the needy in our Eparchy is the work of the Parish of Our Lady of Protection in Wayville, Adelaide. For more than 10 years, the parish administrator, Fr. Taras Gorpynyak, and parishioners have been helping the Zernyatko Family-type Orphanage in the village of Korolevo, Ukraine. The sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph are the guardians of this home.
At the beginning of this initiative in 2011–2012, the parish sent packages of gifts for each child from Zernyatko. However, due to significant transportation costs, since 2013, parishioners have been raising funds throughout the year to deliver them just before St. Nicholas Day. Thanks to this support, the children receive gifts and assistance during the holiday season. This initiative is a testament to how one can show care and love for one’s neighbours even at a distance.
The World Day of the Poor is not only an occasion for reflection but also a time for concrete action, a time when the Church once again invites us to join initiatives aimed at helping those in need, to support charitable events, and to pay attention to prayer with those who need it most.
So we invite you all to support the initiative of the Parish of Our Lady of Protection in Wayville and become St. Nicholas for the children from Zernyatko. Let’s remember that each of us can and should be an apostle of goodness, hope, and love for our neighbour.
Photo: Zernyatko Orphanage
