From prayer to action

A celebration of the world day of the poor and world youth day

The theme of the 2021 World Day of the Poor is ‘The Poor you will always have with you’, and that of the 2021 World Youth Day is “Arise! I appoint you as a witness of what you have seen.”  This initiative will combine these two themes by guiding you through short reflections about how you see the poor in our world and in your life, and simple yet profound ideas to turn your reflections and prayers into action and ‘be a witness of what you have seen’ like St. Paul.

Did you know ?

The 5 themes for each weekday in this calendar are also the 5 themes that the 2019 Caritas General Assembly decided should be the priorities of all Caritas Member Organizations for the 2019-2023 period.

Sat 13 Nov

World day of the poor

Virtual vigil

@ Fecebook Premier
10pm Rome time (Facebook)

@ Vigil Video
starting from 8am Rome time (YouTube)

Join us as we prepare for the World Day of the Poor on Sunday 14 November. View the Vigil Video, which was filmed in Caritas Internationalis’ chapel, here on the calendar at any time starting from 8am (Rome time), or watch it together with people from all over the world in our Facebook premiere at 8pm (Rome time). You may also hold your own vigil in person (download our Vigil guide here). Make sure to tell us where you are joining from on social media by tagging @CaritasYouth @iamCARITAS, and using the hashtag #CaritasYouth!

Sun 14 Nov

World day of the poor

Online mass

@ Fecebook Premier
10am Rome time (Facebook)

Join us as we celebrate Mass to mark the 4th World Day of the Poor.  This Mass will be celebrated by Fr Mark Walker (Diocesan Youth Chaplain, Diocese of Westminster) and will feature contributions from Caritas Youth all over the world and a homily by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.  Feel free to show it in your parish or community! Join us on Caritas Internationalis’ Facebook page at 10am (Rome time), to watch with others around the world.

PRAYER Loving Father, You have bestowed upon each of us unique gifts and placed in our hearts a deep desire to serve. Inspired by your goodness, we prepare ourselves to offer our hands and feet, hearts and minds, to you. From bustling cities to rural farmland,
From sandy beaches to snow-covered mountains,
You have called us from every corner of the world.
Help us to use our unique gifts to listen, accompany and serve others, wherever we may be led. Amen.
(Written by Erin Shuler, Catholic Relief Services)

Mon 15 Nov

Caritas at the heart of the church

Prayer
See
Judge
Act

Tues 16 Nov

Reduce risk, save lives, rebuild communities

Prayer
See
Judge
Act

Wed 17 Nov

Promote sustainable Integral Human Development and care for creation

Prayer
See
Judge
Act

Thurs 18 Nov

Build global solidarity

Prayer
See
Judge
Act

Fri 19 Nov

Increase the effectiveness of the Caritas confederation

Prayer
See
Judge
Act

Sat 20 Nov

World youth day

Day of action

Jesus said to Paul on the road to Damascus, ‘Stand up, I appoint you as a witness of what you have seen.’ Now, it’s time for you to stand up and be a witness of what you have seen this week! On this Feast of Christ the King, go out and put your love of Christ and love of the poor into action, inspired by your new insights on poverty. Do something today to serve the poor – but in a different way than you would have before. For example, instead of serving to them, engage in dialogue and have a true encounter with them; instead of speaking for them, help them to speak for themselves. Encourage people to join you, and share your initiative with us on social media!

Sun 21 Nov

World youth day

DAY OF ACTION

@ WYD ONLINE LITURGY
10am Rome time (Facebook)

Join us here for a liturgical reflection on Pope Francis’ messages for this year’s World Day of the Poor and World Youth Day. This event will feature reflections and testimonies from Caritas Youth all over the world, who are witnesses to what it means to truly put oneself at the service of the poor in our world today. Join us on Caritas Internationalis’ Facebook page at 10am (Rome time), to watch with others around the world.

PRAYER Dear Lord, We pray for all young people that answer Your call to serve the Poor within Caritas. May they find your Son in people in challenging life situations
as they accompany them in dealing with difficulties.
May youth bring hope to our societies as they bring Your Heavenly Kingdom to Earth by their acts of mercy and compassion. Amen.
(Written by Agnieszka Zarzyńska, Caritas Europa)

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