Prayer for the World October 22, 2025
- Victory Noll Sisters
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
Faith and Love for the Poor
Introduction
The focus of our prayer today will be Pope Leo XIV’s first major papal document, “Dilexi Te.” In this apostolic exhortation, Leo admonishes many Christians who may have forgotten, to re-read the Gospels to discover that faith and love for the poor go hand in hand.
Song: What Have We Done For These Poor Ones by Lori True
What have we done for the poor ones, the cold ones
The ones who seek shelter among us, beside us? God's chosen people, blest and holy
What have we done for the poor ones here in our midst?
What have we done for the hungry, the homeless
The lonely ones longing for loving, affection? God's chosen people, blest and holy
What have we done for the hungry here in our midst?
What have we done for the stranger, outsider
The ones who are aching for welcome, acceptance? God's chosen people, blest…
What have we done for the stranger here in our midst?
What have we done for the broken, the grieving
The lost who need someone to listen, to comfort? God's chosen people, blest and holy
What have we done for the broken here in our midst?
What have we done for the prisoner, the addict
Who desperately yearns for redemption, forgiveness? God's chosen people, blest…
What have we done for the prisoner here in our midst?
What have we done for the voiceless, the sick ones
The fragile who cry for compassion, protection? God's chosen people, blest and holy
What have we done for the voiceless here in our midst?
What have we done for the children, the unborn
Who dream of a future with promise, with goodness? God's chosen people, blest…
What have we done for the children here in our midst?
What have we done for the old ones, the dying
The weary ones praying for solace, surrender? God's chosen people, blest and holy
What have we done for the old ones here in our midst?
What have we done for the children here in our midst?
What have we done for the poor ones?
Reading for Reflection: Excerpts from Pope Leo’s encyclical
Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers, and reconciles enemies. … Through your work, your efforts to change unjust social structures, or your simple, heartfelt gesture of closeness and support, the poor will come to realize that Jesus’ words are are addressed personally to each of them: ‘I have loved you’ (Rv. 3:9). (Pause)
This is not a matter of mere human kindness but a revelation: contact with those who are lowly and powerless is a fundamental way of encountering the Lord of history. In the poor he continues to speak to us. (Pause)
On the wounded faces of the poor, we see the suffering of the innocent and, therefore, the suffering of Christ Himself. (Pause)
I am convinced that the ‘preferential choice for the poor is a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society, if we can only set ourselves free of our self-centeredness and open our ears to their cry. (Pause)
The Church, like a mother, accompanies those who are walking. Where the world sees threats, she sees children; where walls are built, she builds bridges. … And she knows that in every rejected migrant, it is Christ Himself who knocks at the door of the community. (Pause)
Silent Prayer
Legacy Gifts: Let us pray for those groups that we support financially.
Let me state once again that the most important way to help the disadvantaged is to assist them …, so that they can lead a more dignified life by developing their abilities and contributing their fair share. Pope Leo, Dilexi Te
Matthew 25 (2025): Their commitment to care is their most powerful testimony as they support each patient on their journey to health. “We are inspired by the Gospel to provide free primary healthcare services to uninsured, low-income residents in Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio.”
Pray Silently.
Oblate School of Theology (2024)—Their Mission is to educate, form and renew women and men to preach the Gospel as pastoral ministers with a focus on formation of Hispanic ministers.
Pray Silently.
Song: What Have We Done for the Poor Ones
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