The Preferential Option for the Poor
“Christ's example and teaching show us that a preferential option for the poor is an essential criterion of our authenticity as his followers. Christian charity demands that, beyond social assistance, we listen to their voices and work to overcome all that hinders their material and spiritual development...it implies walking together...mutual enrichment...” (Pope Francis, General Audience, August 19,2020)
“Love for the Lord, then, is one with love for the poor. The same Jesus who tells us, “The poor you will always have with you” (Mt 26:11), also promises the disciples: ‘I am with you always’ (Mt 28:20). We likewise think of his saying: “Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40). 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.” (Pope Leo XVI, Dilexi te)
WHAT IS THE PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR?
“Our charism is to walk with and to work with the poor and the immigrant” says Fr. Tim Hickey, CSSp, pastor of the Spiritan Parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington, Virginia and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). The parish, which was founded 80 years ago by the Spiritans and 16 Black Catholics, has a mission statement based on Matthew 25:35-36, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, in prison and you visited me.” Per Fr. Tim, “...this is The Preferential Option for the Poor.”
HOW DOES THE CONGREGATION OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT PRACTICE THE PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR?
Our Lady Queen of Peace parish, like the Spiritans internationally, lives out their discipleship by following the life, the words and the actions of Jesus Christ. The parish has about 70 ministries that serve the surrounding neighborhood with a commitment to social justice. Around the world, the Spiritans are often the first to evangelize, as with the Maasai in Africa whom they have worked with for over 100 years. They serve by listening to the poor and marginalized to learn what the needs of the local community are and then give voice to the people by demanding justice for them.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
Serving the greater Washington DC area, Our Lady Queen of Peace parish welcomes 950 families each week to their food pantry, which distributed 42,000 bags of food last year. With 300 people visiting the free clothing store per week, last year saw 135.000 clothing articles and household items disseminated. Feast on the Streets accompanies the unhoused in DC by sharing a hot meal every Thursday and “really getting to know the people and their needs.” The Gabriel Project was established for expectant mothers and those with young children to provide items like car seats, formula and diapers as well as a listening ear for those who are struggling.
Our Lady Queen of Peace has also twined with a remote Catholic parish in Medor, Haiti for over 25 years. They work with the local Community Action Committee to understand which projects need support. Since the parish covers 72 square miles, a dormitory was built to house students during the week. As a result, the school has increased in size from six to thirteen grades. Despite a lack of paved roads, electricity or water utilities, Our Lady Queen of Peace also helped install a solar array to establish a computer lab. Today, the town is proud to have 42 university graduates.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
On a macro level, it is important to raise your voice and stand up as a prophet on behalf of those who are unseen, erased, or ignored to advocate for justice. Locally, with the Northern Virginia area hit hardest by government layoffs, contacting government officials to raise awareness of their situation is important. You can also go to Spiritans.org and select Parish Ministries to learn where the different parishes are located and what ministries they sponsor if you would like to help. Finally, financial support for the mission of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit is always needed and appreciated.