International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 17 Oct

International Day for the

Eradication of Poverty 17^th October

 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.

(Luke 4:  18-19)

 

 

In 1992, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 17^th October the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The JPIC Commission of the USG/UISG aims to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries. This prayer service was prepared for the Commission by the NGO ‘Social Justice Ireland’.

 

Today, the World Day for the Elimination of Poverty is being celebrated, recognized by the United Nations with the title of the World Day for the Eradication of Poverty. How many people still live in conditions of extreme poverty! The disparity between rich and poor has become increasingly obvious and disturbing, even in the more prosperous nations. This distressing situation must be recognized by humanity, because the conditions in which a large number of people live are such as to offend the dignity of the human being and consequently to jeopardize the authentic and harmonious progress of the world community. I therefore recommend that efforts be redoubled to uproot the causes of poverty and the tragic consequences that derive from them.  Pope BENEDICT XVI (17 October 2007)

 Further information on the work of the JPIC USG/UISG Commission can be accessed through http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com