No one must say that they cannot be close to the poor because their own lifestyle demands more attention to other areas. This is an excuse commonly heard in academic, business or professional, and even ecclesial circles. While it is quite true that the essential vocation and mission of the lay faithful is to strive that earthly realities and all human activity may be transformed by the Gospel, none of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice

Lent is a favorable time for letting Christ serve us so that we in turn may become more like Him.

It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about.

The goods of the earth are meant for everyone.

This Christmas may we be consistent in living the Gospel, welcoming Jesus into the centre of our lives.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right.

Human beings are themselves considered consumer goods to be used and then discarded. We have created a “disposable” culture which is now spreading. It is no longer simply about exploitation and oppression, but something new. Exclusion ultimately has to do with what it means to be a part of the society in which we live; those excluded are no longer society’s underside or its fringes or its disenfranchised – they are no longer even a part of it. The excluded are not the “exploited” but the outcast, the “leftovers”.