A MESSAGE OF ACTION

In Pope Leo's message for World Day of the Poor, he calls attention to the central place of the poor in the life of the Church.

Sister Fina Maria of the Missionaries of Charity helps prepare a meal in a soup kitchen run by her religious order in an apartment building in the South Bronx section of New York earlier this year. The Missionaries of Charity also manage an overnight shelter for men on the floors above the soup kitchen. (OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) (Courtesy photo of Gregory A. Shemitz)

Editor’s note: This article continues a series of reflections on the 2026-2027 catechetical theme “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … to bring good news to the poor.” Each contributor will reflect on this theme from their perspective as a disciple and from some aspect of their ministry.

Catholics all over the world recently observed World Mission Sunday on Oct. 18. Instituted 100 years ago in 1926 by Pope Pius XIl, the Universal Church has dedicated the month of October to reflect on and pray for the missions throughout the globe. As such, World Mission Sunday is an opportunity to reflect on our universal solidarity and connection to each other.

The theme selected by Pope Leo XIV for World Missions Day 2026: “One in Christ, united in mission.”

We are each called to this work. Mission belongs to the entire Church. It is a unity we share through baptism and, it’s a welcoming call we extend to others through prayer, generosity and action. Energized and inspired by the faithful service of missionaries around the world, we all have an opportunity to be in supportive service to those vulnerable among us, living out the Gospel message of love, justice and mercy.

It’s fitting that following World Mission Sunday the Church observes World Day of the Poor on Nov. 15.

This day, established by Pope Francis in 2017 is also an opportunity for Catholics throughout the world to “reflect on how poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel.” Pope Leo XIV’s message for 2026 on pages 6-7 is a profound statement on action, compassion and reflection.    

The theme for 2026 is “The Lord is the refuge of the poor” (Psalm 14). In his message the pope calls attention to the central place of the poor in the life of the Church. In a world with increasing disparities, isolation and social exclusion, Pope Leo invites us to recognize the poor as not only people in need of assistance but also as central figures of hope and witness. A powerful example of being in mission together. The poor “can be witness to a strong and steadfast hope, precisely because they embody it in the midst of uncertainty, poverty, instability, and marginalization,” not being able to “rely on the security of power and possessions.” 

Pope Leo XIV proposes several questions for reflection within his message marking the 10th anniversary of World Day of the Poor. He asked us to examine: “Are we a sign of a God who is a refuge for the poor? Are we aware of our own poverty, and do we prefer it to unjust wealth? Do we go where the poor are, sharing in their experiences of marginalization? Do we listen to their thoughts and share their hopes? Do we speak their names with divine tenderness? Does our charity awaken and sustain in them the desire for justice and dignity?”

As each parish community continues to explore and open up the Catechetical Sunday theme for the year “to bring good news to the poor” there is an opportunity to deepen our connection in our shared mission to live in service to God and others in observances like World Mission Sunday and World Day of the Poor. While unique in scope, like Catechetical Sunday, they offer a chance to explore our faith and the role each of us plays in being a witness to the Gospel, sharing the good news and caring for the most in need.

Michelle Thivierge is the Director of Community Partnerships for Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.