London Bishop Ronald Fabbro chose Nov. 17, the third annual World Day of the Poor, to launch the Pope Francis Fund for the Poor with an initial donation of $1 million. The sale of surplus land adjacent to St. Peter’s Seminary has enabled the diocese to commit these funds to the cause.

“In the Pope Francis Fund for the Poor, it is my goal that our faith community is taking concrete action to serve those who are struggling to meet their basic human needs,” said Fabbro in a letter read to London Catholics at Masses across the southwestern Ontario diocese Nov. 16-17. “It is a public declaration that we must take to heart the words of Jesus: ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me’ (Matthew 25:40).”

The money will be invested in an endowment fund with proceeds earned given annually to registered Canadian charities serving the poor. It will be “a continuing source of assistance for those in need, as well as a reminder that we are truly missionary disciples of Christ,” said Fabbro.

The diocese is hoping area Catholics will be inspired to help someone struggling to meet basic needs such as food, medicine or housing.

“One million dollars is a considerable sum, but it is only a seed,” said Fabbro. “I urge every parish and every individual in the diocese to consider how each of us is able to help our brothers and sisters in need.”

Fabbro said he was inspired by Jesus’ “preferential love for the poor” and the example of Pope Francis in choosing the World Day of the Poor to launch the fund. The Pope has offered an annual World Day of the Poor “so that throughout the world Christian communities can become an ever greater sign of Christ’s charity for the least and those in need.”

For information, see dol.ca.