Across our Diocese, the cry of the poor resonates in a multitude of forms. It echoes through the streets where the homeless seek refuge from the cold, the struggle against the relentless tide of the rising cost of living, and the silent voices of refugees in the temporary refuge of hotel rooms.
As members of this Diocese, we are called not only to hear but to respond and extend a hand of support, to build bridges of empathy, and to foster a community where the marginalised find solace and hope.
As Pope Leo reminds us, Christian hope is not rooted in human strength or possessions, but in the promise of God, who is always faithful. The poor, in their suffering and resilience, are witnesses to this steadfast hope. They remind us that wealth without compassion leaves us empty, and that justice, not mere charity, must shape our response. In each act of solidarity, from soup kitchens in parishes to fundraisers at schools, we encounter not only human need but the living Gospel. We are called to be “signs of hope” that break the cycle of indifference and allow charity to blossom into justice and shared dignity.
