On World Poor Day, Sunday 18 November, St Vincent de Paul members and volunteers throughout the country worked tirelessly to feed as many poor and marginalised people as possible. Reports came in all through the day, with wonderful pictures of hungry people being given food. We congratulate all our conferences for their sterling work:
- Sacred Heart in Bloemfontein prepared sandwiches for children at Siyatokoza Centre for Orphaned and Vulnerable children, assisted by members of the Girl Guides.
- St Charles, Victory Park prepared and distributed an awesome 521 loaves of bread.
- Namaqua Central council distributed bread.
- Freedom park served 50 loaves and juice to parishioners and 150 outsiders.
- Eldorado Park Confference distributed 100 loaves of bread, as well as plates of rice and mince to over 300 hungry children and adults.
- Our Lady of Sorrows in Nigel delivered 100 loaves of bread and spinach bundles to those in need.
- St Phillip Neri, Moletsane prepared 125 loaves which were handed out at a local squatter camp by SSVP members and the priest, Fr Mgoza.
- Sandwiches, bread and spreads were delivered to the community of Mosselbaai.
- St Rose Conference in Bloemfontein prepared and distributed 100 loaves to unemployed people on the streets.
- St Patrick’s La Roshelle served 150 meals.
- Marie Regina in Centurion, Pretoria, made 100 loaves.
- Midrand, Gauteng made 60 loaves.
- St Anne’s conference, Sydenham Durban, went door to door on the Friday, collecting groceries to distribute to the poor.
- Our Lady of Sorrows in Wentworth, Durban, served lunch at the Durban & Coastal Mental Health Society.
On this special day, we remember St Francis’ Prayer for the Poor:
God of Justice, open our eyes to see you in the face of the poor.
Open our ears to hear you in the cries of the exploited.
Open our mouths to defend you in the public squares as well as in private deeds.
Remind us that what e do to the least ones, we do to you.
Amen.