WEEK OF THE POOR
National Formation �Workshop
Opening Prayer
Introduction to CIOFS request-Letter from CIOFS
Presentation: Understanding the dynamics that drive poverty in your region
St. Francis and the Poor-stories of Francis’ care for those in need
Testimonies-Individual Witnesses to caring for the poor
Breakouts-what actions have you and/or your fraternity taken to address the needs of the poor?
What are the obstacles that prevent any action?
Presentation: Encountering Poverty Face to Face
What are our fraternities in Canada doing for the poor and what can we do different?
Closing Intercessions and Prayer
AGENDA
CIOFS
Proposal for the World Week of the Poor 2026, on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis
“THEY MAY FORGET WHAT YOU SAID, �BUT THEY WILL �NEVER FORGET �HOW YOU MADE �THEM FEEL.”
– Carl W. Buechner
DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS,��WE WISH TO PROPOSE AN INITIATIVE FOCUSING �ON THE POOR AND ALL FORMS OF POVERTY.��we have drawn inspiration �from the “mission to the poor”, �which is being organized in rome �from november 9 to 15, 2026, �coinciding with world day�of the poor…..�following in the footsteps of francis
Poverty
Moving towards poverty��The goal is to address �both visible and hidden forms of poverty by raising awareness among public opinion and institutions.
Listening: let the poor speak
The key attitude is to listen: not to “speak about the poor”,
but to put the poor themselves first, allowing them to tell their own stories
The educational dimension
During the week, it would be important to offer educational sessions for
participants.
Prayer as the heart of the mission
The spiritual dimension is fundamental. A fixed prayer space could be set up,
where the missionary group
would gather daily for prayer;
Collaboration with other entities:
a mission approach
We would like to highlight
one aspect of this proposal
in particular: its openness to collaboration.
The missionary group should be formed
of religious and lay Franciscans,
but also of every man
and woman of good will.
The prophetic sign
at the end of the mission
The mission concludes on November 15, World Day of the Poor.
It would be great to find
a prophetic public gesture –
different for each context and arising
from the listening experienced during the week – to give back to the Church
and society what has been gained from the encounter with the poor.
Mission concludes on November 15
Therefore, it is with great joy
that we invite you to join us,
as the Franciscan Family,
in celebrating a “Week of the Poor”
between November 9 and 15, 2026:
an act of fidelity to the Gospel,
to the charism of Francis,
to Pope Francis’ call to stand
by those whom the Lord himself
has pointed out to us
as his beloved,
and to what Pope Leo XIV reminds us:
“The poor are not a distraction for the Church, but our beloved brothers and sisters,
for by their lives, their words and their wisdom, they put us in contact
with the truth of the Gospel.”
�PRAYER�
Gracious and Holy God, You speak blessing over lives that the world often overlooks. Through the words of Jesus, You invite us into a way of humility, mercy, and peace. Today, we lift our voices in intercession, trusting that You hear and respond.
BLESSED �ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT�
We pray for all who feel spiritually dry, weighed down, or unseen. May they discover the richness of Your love and the welcome of Your kingdom. Help us to be companions on their journey toward hope.
Lord, hear our prayer.
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN
We remember those grieving losses—whether of loved ones, homes, or stability. Wrap them in Your comfort, and send us to be gentle presences in their pain. Let Your peace be a balm for their wounded hearts.
Lord, hear our prayer.
BLESSED ARE THE MEEK
We pray for those whose quiet strength is often ignored in a noisy world. Protect them from harm, and let their example teach us the beauty of humility. May gentleness be honored as a true form of courage.
Lord, hear our prayer.
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
We lift up all who long for justice—activists, advocates, and everyday people who refuse to accept injustice. Satisfy their longing with Your truth, and stir us to join their work.
Lord, hear our prayer.
BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL
We pray for those who extend forgiveness and compassion even when it costs them. Strengthen their hearts, and let mercy become the language of our communities. Teach us to forgive as freely as You forgive us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
BLESSED ARE �THE PURE IN HEART
We pray for those who seek integrity in a world clouded by compromise. Purify our motives, sharpen our vision, and keep us steadfast in truth. May we see You clearly in the midst of our daily lives.
Lord, hear our prayer.
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
We remember all who work to bridge divides— from international diplomats to neighbors reconciling differences. Grant them courage, patience, and wisdom to heal what is broken.
Lord, hear our prayer.
BLESSED ARE THOSE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE
We pray for those who suffer because they stand for truth, faith, or justice. Shield them from despair, and let their witness inspire others to persevere. May Your kingdom be their refuge and reward.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Closing Commitment
God of blessing, You have shown us the path of the Beatitudes—a way that is both challenging and life-giving. Send us out to live these blessings in word and deed, so that Your light may shine through us into the world.
Amen.