On December 21, 2024, the shortest day and the longest night of the year, we take a moment to remember our neighbors who passed away in the last year while experiencing homelessness. Many communities throughout the world now hold candlelight vigils to commemorate the unhoused persons who have died―forgotten or discarded by society.
In 2022, the United Nations reported that as many as 1.6 billion people in the world lacked adequate housing, while in 2021, the World Economic Forum reported some 150 million people were homeless worldwide.
As we light our candles this December 21, let us call to mind the names of the homeless who have died this past year at or near the doors of our friaries and churches.
Prayer:
God of faithfulness and love, you created all of us in your own image and call us all your children. Bless us this night as we bring to light the precious memory of our brothers and sisters who were homeless and now rest eternally with You.
Friar Michael LASKY
