'God Wants Us to Feed the Hungry'

I was in the city of Sonsonate in El Salvador, a small country in Central America. I met a Franciscan missionary there may years ago who wanted to feed the poor at least a good Christmas dinner. When he succeeded, he was so happy...so delighted in that feast that he determined that no matter how (long) it would take, he would see that the poor and homeless would get a meal every single day... God wants us to feed the Hungry."   -Larry Bernard, OFM

Rev. Larry Bernard, a Franciscan who has served in Central America and in many areas of New Mexico, including the Pueblo communities, offered a reflection at Feed the  Hungry Day on September 30 at Holy Family Church. Here is an excerpt from his talk.



Father Larry's reflection was one of several spiritual activities for people from around the Archdiocese of Santa Fe who attended at the event. Participants were also offered the opportunity to engage in One on the Journey, a solidarity prayer walk created by Catholic Relief Services. This is a self-guided meditation using photography and written reflection that invites participants to pray in a special way for our brothers and sisters around the world.

The Prayer Walk is a spiritual journey into the heart of our deepest selves... And back out into this world with a greater understanding... Of who we are and who we are called to be. A walking meditation of solidarity... of becoming... ONE...ONE in mind... ONE in spirit ... and ONE in heart. It is an invitation to walk in rhythm with ONE ’s breathing... Aware that as you walk as ONE on the journey...   Download the booklet

Photo: Joy Dinaro

This day was also about action and learning. A morning panel offered several examples of how hunger is being addressed in our archdiocese, including the direct feeding efforts by the folks at St. Felix Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul in the South Valley and the legislative advocacy work by churches involved in Bread for the World locally. I spoke about the importance of advocacy as a very important way to address hunger, particularly the need to preserve funding for programs that help people directly, including SNAP. There was also a touching account by a woman who had received assistance from St. Felix during a time of  need.

After lunch, participants were offered the opportunity to help bag non-perishable food items to supply a local food bank.

Some participants opted to take some of the soup that was left over from lunch to people living on the streets of Albuquerque.

We also learned about the work of Catholic Relief Services and Global Solidarity from regional representative Norma Valdez.

The day concluded with a Mass presided by Archbishop John Wester.