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Fr Edgar Busuttil SJ, Director of the Paulo Freire Institute, and Dr Katrine Camilleri, Director of JRS Malta, during the event marking World Day of the Poor in Valletta, Malta. Photo: Curia Communications Office

Appeal for change in the way society regards poor and marginalised

It is the intention of the Christian community that this day will be marked with efforts to reach out to the poor and marginalised, and to those whose dignity is being dishonoured.

On the occasion of World Day of the Poor (Sunday 19th November), 16 Church entities that work for social justice, including the Jesuit-run Paulo Freire Institute and Jesuit Refugee Service, together with the Commission for Faith and Justice, participated in an activity which took place in St George’s Square in Valletta. They appealed for a change in the way society regards poor and marginalised persons, and for these persons to be central in decisions and structures made or created for them.

Said representatives pledged to continue to work towards the eradication of injustices that result in poverty and social exclusion. An appeal was made against the culture of waste.

“Let us love not with words but with deeds.’ These were the words of Pope Francis who, at the end of the Year of Mercy, expressed his wish that this World Day of the Poor would be established as an annual event. It is the intention of the Christian community that this day will be marked with efforts to reach out to the poor and marginalised, and to those whose dignity is being dishonoured.