He underscored the need to see the poor as fully human, not as mere statistics.
“The poor are not numbers. They are human beings of flesh and blood, created in the image and likeness of God, sons, and daughters of Abraham, who live among us and knock on our doors. How do we treat them? How do we welcome them?” the Angolan member of the Society of Jesus (SJ/Jesuits) said.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s World Day of the Poor, “The prayer of the poor rises to God” (Sirach 21:5), Fr. Epalanga cited Pope Francis’ teachings, which emphasize integrating the poor into the spiritual and pastoral life of the Church.
“The worst discrimination the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care. The vast majority of them hunger and thirst for God. We need to pray for the poor and with the poor. We cannot neglect offering them God’s friendship, His word, the celebration of the sacraments, and a path for growth in faith,” he said.
The Angolan Catholic Priest also addressed the shared Christian responsibility to promote social justice.
“Caring for the poor is proclaiming the Gospel. Jesus became poor to enrich us. Are we capable of seeing Christ in the poor? Are we able to share not only our goods but also our time and prayers?” Fr. Epalanga said.
He continued, “We pray for our leaders, to whom we entrust the grave responsibility of working for social justice and the common good. Yet many remain locked in their palaces, spending the poor’s money on luxuries, while children and the elderly live in extreme poverty, scavenging for food in landfills and garbage bins.”
“This is a pastoral opportunity challenging every believer to listen to the prayers of the poor, recognize their presence, and respond to their needs. We must thank and support all who dedicate themselves to caring for the poor—priests, laypeople, consecrated persons, and volunteers—whose witness is God’s answer to the prayers of the needy,” Fr. Epalanga said.
He reminded the people of God that the poor offer a unique challenge and gift to the Church.
“The poor evangelize us. They challenge our faith and offer us the opportunity to be truly Christian. May we build a future where human dignity is not sacrificed on the altar of material goods,” Fr. Epalanga said.
