“The Prayer of the Poor Rises Up to God” Reflecting on the Eighth World Day of the Poor

On November 17, 2024, the Catholic Church observes the Eighth World Day of the Poor, guided by the theme, “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (Sirach 21:5). In this year’s message, Pope Francis draws attention to the profound connection between prayer, humility, and charity, reminding us of the privileged place the poor hold in God’s heart and the Church’s call to respond to their needs with compassion and concrete action. Continue reading →

All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day in the Catholic Church: A Time of Remembrance and Communion

The celebrations of All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2 are central to the Catholic Church’s tradition of remembering the dead. These days honor both the saints who have attained heaven and the souls who are still undergoing purification. Together, they remind Catholics of the “Communion of Saints,” that unity between the Church on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven. Continue reading →