POVERTY IS NOT MERELY AN ECONOMIC CONDITION; it is a deeply human crisis that challenges the very fabric of society. It is a call to conscience, a test of justice, and a measure of our collective moral responsibility. As Pope Francis powerfully reminds us, “The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty.” 

 

Despite notable progress in reducing extreme poverty, its reality remains stark and undeniable. Recent government statistics indicate that extreme poverty in India has declined to just 2.2% of the population based on the World Bank’s $1.90-per-day standard (approximately Rs. 160). But can anyone truly live with dignity on Rs/160 per day? This figure may reflect statistical optimism, yet it fails to capture the daily struggles of millions—rising food prices, precarious employment, lack of healthcare, and limited access to quality education. This meagre sum does not account for housing, medical expenses, or even basic nutrition, let alone the ability to dream of a better future. In such a reality, how should the Church respond to this universal and urgent crisis?

 

The Church’s Mission: Justice, Solidarity, and Love for the Poor 

 

The Catholic Church has always placed the poor at the heart of its mission, not merely as recipients of charity but as bearers of God’s image and dignity. Addressing poverty is not just an act of goodwill; it is a Gospel imperative, a moral responsibility, and an essential element of Catholic social teaching. Jesus himself identifies with the poor, declaring: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Throughout his ministry, Christ showed special concern for the marginalized, the hungry, the sick, and the outcast. He not only provided for their material needs but also restored their dignity, calling them to a life of hope and renewal. 

 

This mission of compassion and justice was embraced by the early Christian community, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles: “There was no needy person among them” (Acts 4:34). The early Church lived a model of communal solidarity, ensuring that resources were shared so that no one was left behind. This spirit of fraternity and social responsibility has inspired Catholic social action throughout history, from the formation of schools and hospitals to advocacy for labor rights and systemic reform.

 

Poverty: A Crisis of Dignity and Human Rights 

 

Poverty is multidimensional—it is not only a lack of money but also a deprivation of education, healthcare, opportunities, and human dignity. It is a form of social marginalization that leaves individuals vulnerable and excluded. Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, urges us: “Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor” (EG 187). This means that our response must go beyond temporary relief; it must address the root causes of poverty, advocate for justice, and work towards integral human development.

 

The Church's call to preferential love for the poor is not an abstract principle but a living reality—one that challenges us to move from charity to justice, from almsgiving to empowerment, from temporary assistance to systemic change. As followers of Christ, we are called not only to serve the poor but to stand with them, ensuring that their voices are heard, their rights are upheld, and their dignity is restored.

In a world where poverty continues to persist amidst growing affluence, the Church must remain a prophetic voice, reminding society that true greatness is measured by how we treat the most vulnerable. The Gospel is clear: to encounter Christ, we must encounter him in the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten—for in serving them, we serve the Lord himself.

 

Biblical Perspective on Poverty 

 

Sacred Scripture consistently underscores God’s deep concern for the poor, calling for justice, compassion, and active solidarity. From the Old Testament to the teachings of Christ, the Bible reveals a divine mandate to care for the marginalized, defend their dignity, and uphold their rights. 

 

The Psalms beautifully depict God as the protector and defender of the poor: 

“For He delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.” (Psalm 72:12) 

 

The Book of Proverbs reinforces the virtue of generosity and justice: 

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)  

“Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:9) 

 

In the New Testament, Jesus proclaims His mission as one deeply intertwined with the liberation of the poor: 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18) 

 

Christ further identifies Himself with the suffering and marginalized, declaring: 

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) 

 

His message is one of radical hope and reversal of worldly expectations: 

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20) 

 

Jesus not only preached about the dignity of the poor but lived in solidarity with them, challenging His disciples—and the Church—to do the same. Inspired by this divine call, the Church has always sought to be a voice for the voiceless, defending the rights of the poor and working for a more just world. 

 

Catholic Teaching on Poverty 

The Catholic Church has long been committed to addressing poverty through its rich tradition of social teaching. Encyclicals, Conciliar documents, and Papal exhortations provide deep insights into economic justice and the Church’s role in advocating for the poor. Since Pope Leo XIII’s ground breaking encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891), Catholic social teaching has evolved into a comprehensive framework addressing the dignity of labour, economic inequality, and the moral responsibilities of society. 

 

Key Church Teachings on Poverty and Social Justice

 

• Rerum Novarum (1891) – Pope Leo XIII 

Considered the foundation of modern Catholic social teaching, this encyclical addressed the exploitation of workers, the need for just wages, and the rights of labourers. Pope Leo XIII emphasized that both the state and society have a duty to ensure justice for the working class. 

 

• Gaudium et Spes (1965) – Second Vatican Council 

This pastoral constitution affirms that "The right to have a share of earthly goods sufficient for oneself and one's family belongs to everyone." (GS 69). It underscores the moral obligation to assist the poor, not merely from surplus wealth but as a fundamental duty rooted in human dignity. 

 

• Populorum Progressio (1967) – Pope Paul VI 

St. Paul VI introduced the concept of "integral human development," asserting that true progress extends beyond economic growth to encompass the full development of every person. He famously declared, “Development is the new name for peace,” highlighting the need for structural reforms to uplift the marginalized. 

 

• Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (1987) – Pope John Paul II 

This encyclical denounced economic disparities and called for global solidarity, urging nations to collaborate in building a more just and equitable world. 

 

• Centesimus Annus (1991) – Pope John Paul II

Marking the centenary of Rerum Novarum, St. John Paul II reaffirmed that “every economic decision has a moral consequence.” He insisted that economic systems must serve humanity, rather than reducing people to mere instruments of profit. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church further emphasizes that the most vulnerable should be a primary concern.

 

• Caritas in Veritate (2009) – Pope Benedict XVI 

Pope Benedict XVI stressed that economic development must be holistic, stating: "Authentic human development concerns the whole person in every single dimension.” He warned that without a spiritual foundation, human progress becomes directionless. His central theme, “Charity in Truth,” underscores the necessity of ethical and moral considerations in economic and social policies.

 

• Evangelii Gaudium (2013) – Pope Francis 

In this apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis critiques economic systems that foster exclusion and inequality, declaring: "An economy of exclusion and inequality kills. How can it be that it is not news when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?" His words challenge society to re-evaluate its priorities and economic structures.

 

• Fratelli Tutti (2020) – Pope Francis 

This encyclical calls for a renewed sense of fraternity and solidarity, urging an economic model that prioritizes human dignity over profit. Pope Francis envisions a world where economies serve people rather than exploiting them. 

Through these teachings, the Catholic Church continues to champion justice for the poor, advocating for systems that promote dignity, equity, and the common good. 

 

Catholic Social Thinkers on Poverty

 

Throughout history, several Catholic thinkers have profoundly shaped our understanding of poverty and the moral responsibility to address it. 

 

• Dorothy Day – The co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, Dorothy Day embodied radical solidarity with the marginalized. She firmly believed that the Gospel calls us to serve all in need, stating, "The Gospel takes away our right forever to discriminate between the deserving and the undeserving poor" (The Long Loneliness). Her life and writings challenge us to embrace compassion without judgment. 

 

• Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez – A key figure in liberation theology, Fr. Gutiérrez emphasized that poverty is not merely an unfortunate condition but a result of systemic injustice. He insisted, "Poverty is not fate; it is a condition. It is not a misfortune; it is an injustice." His work calls for structural change to ensure dignity and justice for all.

 

• St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta – A living testament to selfless love, St. Mother Teresa reminded the world that true charity is found in action. She famously said, "At the end of life, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by: 'I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was homeless, and you took me in.'" Her legacy challenges us to see Christ in the poor and respond with concrete acts of love. 

 

These Catholic social thinkers and several others continue to inspire us to view poverty not as an abstract issue but as a call to action, demanding both personal charity and systemic transformation.

 

• St. John Bosco – A Father to the Poor and Needy 

Our beloved founder, St. John Bosco, was born poor and lived in solidarity with the poor. His first hand encounters with the destitute youth of Turin shaped his mission—not just as an act of charity, but as a transformative response to poverty. Don Bosco's genius lay in his preventive approach, ensuring that young people were not only rescued from hardship but also equipped for a future of dignity. He understood that poverty could not be alleviated merely by providing temporary relief; it required education, skills, and opportunities to break the cycle permanently. In response, he established schools, workshops, and vocational training centers, empowering young people to become self-sufficient, responsible citizens. 

As Salesians, we are heirs to this vision. Our mission is not only to meet immediate needs but also to address the root causes of poverty through holistic formation. 

 

The Preventive System – A Response to Poverty

 

Don Bosco’s Preventive System, built on Reason, Religion, and Loving-Kindness, provides a profound framework for confronting poverty:

 

1. Reason – We must analyze the social and economic factors that perpetuate poverty, developing effective and evidence-based interventions that create lasting change. 
 

2. Religion – Our faith calls us to recognize the God-given dignity of every person, especially the poor, and to work for a society where justice and fraternity prevail. 
 

3. Loving-Kindness – Every effort to combat poverty must be rooted in genuine love and care for the poor, following Don Bosco’s example of compassionate accompaniment rather than mere assistance. 

Our Call to Action 

As members of the Church, we are all summoned to respond to poverty in three essential ways: 

a)  Charity – Responding to Immediate Needs 

We are called to offer direct assistance to those who suffer. Pope Benedict XVI reminds us: "Love—caritas—will always prove necessary, even in the most just society... There will always be suffering which cries out for consolation and help." (Deus Caritas Est, 28) 

b)  Justice – Transforming Unjust Structures

True Christian service goes beyond aid; it seeks to change systems that oppress and marginalize. Pope Francis urges us: "Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor." (Evangelii Gaudium, 187) 

c)  Conversion of Heart – A New Way of Seeing Wealth and Poverty 

Genuine transformation begins within us. To create a more just world, we must reshape our own attitudes toward material wealth and human dignity. Pope Benedict XVI warned: "The external deserts in the world are growing because the internal deserts have become so vast." (Homily, April 24, 2005) 

The work of St. John Bosco continues in us. We are called to educate, uplift, and transform lives, ensuring that every young person, especially the poor and abandoned, finds hope, opportunity, and a future.

 

Conclusion: A Renewed Commitment to the Poor 

As disciples of Christ and sons of Don Bosco, let us renew our unwavering commitment to alleviating poverty, following the example of Jesus, who became poor so that we might become rich in grace (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9). Inspired by the Gospel and Catholic social teaching, may our efforts help build a world where justice, fraternity, and human dignity prevail, ensuring that no one is deprived of the necessities for a dignified life. 

 

As we navigate the complex realities of poverty in India as mentioned in the statistical data in the introduction, we are called to respond not only with compassion but also with the creative and pastoral charity that characterized Don Bosco. Our approach must be twofold: immediate, in addressing the urgent needs of the poor, and strategic, in creating sustainable solutions that break the cycle of poverty. Pope Francis reminds us: "The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes." 

 

The challenge before us is great, but so is our Salesian mission to the young, especially those most in need. Don Bosco never turned away from the overwhelming struggles of his time. Instead, he responded with faith, creativity, and an unshakable commitment to transforming lives through education and love. Let us draw strength from his example, ensuring that our ministry remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for the poor. 

 

May Mary Help of Christians and St. John Bosco guide us as we strive to be faithful to our charism and responsive to the signs of our times. As we journey through this season of Lent, may our hearts be ever more attuned to the cries of the poor and the suffering, seeing in them the very face of Christ.

 

Fraternally in Don Bosco,

 

Fr. Edwin Vasanthan SDB 

INM Economer

Date: 01.03.2025

Place: Chennai – 10