International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 17 marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year’s theme is: “Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity.” As we gather today, let us pray for the day when human rights take top priority in global dynamics; when charity is no longer needed because justice prevails; and when inequality and poverty exist no longer. Let us pray for action plans to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 1, which are achieved in partnership with persons living in poverty. Grant us strength and courage in this endeavor, Oh God, Amen. READING: Today, poverty prevails as the gravest human rights challenge in the world. Combating poverty, deprivation and exclusion is not a matter of charity, and it does not depend on how rich a country is …….By tackling poverty as a matter of human rights obligation, the world will have a better chance of abolishing this scourge in our lifetime......Poverty eradication is an achievable goal. (Louise Arbour, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) PRAYER FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY (Adapted by the prayer of the same name by Joseph Wresinski) For the millions of children twisted by the pain of hunger, no longer able to smile, yet still yearning to love. For the millions of young people, who have no reason to believe, and question the meaning of existence, and who vainly search for a future in this senseless world, God of compassion and justice hear us . For the millions of men, women and children, whose hearts are still pounding strong to the beat of struggle, whose minds rise in revolt against the unjust fate imposed upon them, whose courage demands the right to priceless dignity. God of compassion and justice hear us . For the millions of children, women and men who do not want to condemn, but to love, to pray, to work and to unite, so that a world of solidarity may be born. A world, our world, in which all people would have given the best of themselves before dying. God of compassion and justice hear us . We pray for a world where people no longer live in hunger; where they are free from HIV AIDS; where mothers no longer die in childbirth; where children no longer die of preventable diseases; where every child has the right to quality education; where poverty and inequality have been overcome. God of compassion and justice hear us. Written by Sister Theresa Sullivan, D.C.