The Jubilee of the Poor will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, which is also the ninth World Day of the Poor that is celebrated every year.
The Jubilee of the Poor is not only an opportunity to recommit to the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, but also an invitation to take one step further into the challenge of living in true solidarity with the poor, something Pope Francis explains
means combatting the structural causes of poverty, inequality, the lack of work, land, and housing, the denial of social and labor rights. It means confronting the destructive effects of the empire of money…Solidarity, understood in its most profound meaning, is a way of making history” (Fratelli Tutti no. 116)
Inspirational Gospel
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord”
(Luke 4:18-19).
Inspirational Saints
Holy Companions for the Poor and those seeking to be in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable
- St. Martin of Tours (316-397, feast day November 11), patron saint of the poor and soldiers.
Born into a Roman military family, St. Martin is most famously remembered for cutting his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm. This act of mercy led to his deepened faith and eventual role as Bishop of Tours, where he advocated tirelessly for the poor.
- St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660, feast day September 27), patron saint of charitable societies.
Renowned for his compassion and organizational skill, St. Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity to serve the poor. His life’s work continues to inspire the Vincentian movement worldwide.
- St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660, feast day May 9), co-founder of the Daughters of Charity.
Collaborating with St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac dedicated her life to the care of the sick, poor, and abandoned, creating innovative ways to bring charity to those most in need, including home visits and education programs.
- St. John Bosco (1815-1888, feast day January 31), patron saint of youth and educators.
Moved by the plight of poor and abandoned children in industrial Turin, St. John Bosco founded the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to provide education, spiritual guidance, and vocational training.
- St. Francis of Assisi (1181/1182-1226, feast day October 4), patron saint of the poor, ecology, and animals.
Born into a wealthy family, Francis renounced his inheritance to live in poverty, embracing a life of service to the poor and preaching the Gospel. He founded the Franciscan Order, which prioritized simplicity, humility, and care for the marginalized. St. Francis remains an enduring symbol of Christ-like love and compassion.
- St. Óscar Romero (1917-1980, feast day March 24), martyr and advocate for the poor.
As Archbishop of San Salvador, Óscar Romero became a champion for the oppressed and poor during El Salvador’s civil unrest. He preached against injustice and violence, ultimately sacrificing his life. He was shot and murderd while celebrating Mass. Canonized by Pope Francis in 2018, he remains a symbol of courage and faith in the face of oppression.
- St. Josephine Bakhita (1869–1947, feast Day: February 8 – International Day against Human Trafficking), patron saint of Sudan, victims of slavery and trafficking
Born into slavery in Darfur, she suffered greatly before gaining her freedom in Italy. She joined the Canossian sisters and she served the poor and sick with great humility and gentleness. Her life became a symbol of forgiveness, hope, and the dignity of every person.
- St. Benedict the Moor (also called St. Benedict the African) (Sicily, 1526–1589, feast Day: April 3-4), patron saint of African Americans, Black people worldwide.
Born in Italy from African slaves he became a Franciscan friar known for his humility, charity, and tireless care for the poor and hungry. Even when Superior of his community he worked mainly as a cook always giving food to the poor, even when supplies were scarce. His kitchen became a place of spiritual counsel and healing.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, We praise and thank you!
You anoint us to bring glad tidings to the poor
proclaim liberty to captives, recover sight for the blind,
free the oppressed and build communities in keeping with God’s vision of justice.
Show us how to be light of the world, salt of the earth,
seeds that sprout love and leaven that infuses humanity
with the desire to live in dignity and solidarity.
Help us to listen so that those in poverty can lead our efforts to proclaim a more hopeful vision,
liberate captives from injustice, heal the blindness of the powerful
free us all from self-centeredness and build community to overcome poverty.
Amen
