It is easy to say to the underprivileged, “Have faith in God!” but when their pockets always run empty and they do not have enough money to pay for their expenses, it would be difficult to let them understand that God provides for them.
In fairness to the Catholic Church worldwide and in the Philippines, social welfare programs initiated by Her are plentiful. Some quarters even point to the Church as possibly the largest charity organization in the world. Globally, Caritas Internationalis, headed by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, is a confederation of more than 160 organizations actively involved in social service and is considered the official arm of the Catholic Church in the area of charity work. Dioceses in the Philippines have their own Caritas chapters.
Religious congregations have countless initiatives in alleviating the suffering of the poor. My own former cohost on Teleradyo, Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD established the Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation, Inc. which offers educational opportunities through the Alternative Learning System in different parts of the archipelago. Hospicio de San Jose, established in 1810, the oldest orphanage in the country, is run by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Some parishes in the country get involved in cooperatives in which lay persons could pool their resources and help each other financially. Various lay efforts, such as those of preacher Bo Sanchez, provide food, shelter and clothing to old people who have no place to stay in.
However, it cannot be denied that there is still so much poverty around the world and in the Philippines. The Church cannot address these by Herself. All sectors, including governments and private institutions, must do their share in helping the poor rise from their lack of resources in daily living. An integrative approach through education, starting from helping raise their awareness of their dignity as children of God, and equipping them with free academic and livelihood skills,is essential. Providing them with jobs or opportunities to grow businesses is also necessary. Stressing that they have a voice in the Church and in society is very important.
As we urge them to get involved in the Synodal process, we need to constantly ask them where they are coming from, and what they need. Perhaps questions to ask and keep an open heart to, in listening to them are:How could we, as Church, concretely help them live out their dignity as children of God? How could wereach out to them effectively, such that they actually experience being dynamic and engaged members of the Body of Christ?
Pope Francis, in his message dated June 13, 2018, on the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, patron saint of the poor, referred to Psalm 34:7 “This poor one cried out and the Lord heard.” He challenged us all, “We can ask ourselves, how is it this cry, which reaches all the way to God, is unable to penetrate our ears and leaves us indifferent and impassive?” He stated, “God’s answer to the poor is always an intervention of salvation in order to heal the wounds of body and soul, restore justice and assist in beginning anew to live life with dignity. God’s answer is also an appeal in order that those who believe in him can do the same.”
