“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:15-16
These words of St. James surely echoed in the heart of Blessed Mary Angela, whose motto was “serve where most needed.” This conviction shaped her life from an early age, even as a child, she gave money to the poor she met on the street. Later in life, she provided food for the elderly, the homeless and those living in poverty in the slums of Warsaw. During her beatification in 1993, Pope John Paul II said, “Blessed Mary Angela’s life was marked by love. She was concerned about all people: those hungry for bread, the heartbroken, the homeless, and those hungering for the truth of the Gospel.
“Serve where you are needed” continues to inspire Felician Sisters today as they operate food pantries, community gardens, and social service agencies in 11 regions of the United States, ensuring no one goes hungry in the communities where they serve.
July, when food insecurity rates for children tend to surge due to the loss of school lunch programs, is a critical period for food justice and hunger awareness.
Reflection: In a message to the United Nations Food Systems Summit in 2021, Pope Francis stated: “It is a scandal that there is still hunger and malnutrition in the world! … It is everyone’s duty to eradicate this injustice through concrete actions and good practices.” Why does Pope Francis call hunger a “scandal”?
Reflect on Jesus’ words in the Gospels concerning those in need. What implications should this have for how our nation allocates its resources? As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, initiatives across the country are focusing on service, many addressing hunger. The official America250.org initiative encourages nationwide volunteerism, especially during the summer months when needs are often greater.
Several state food banks have partnered with America250 to promote food drives. Consider organizing a food drive at your workplace, church or community center to support a local food pantry.
Cuts to nutrition assistance put millions at risk worldwide. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to protect nutrition and development programs focused on ending hunger. Take Action with Bread for the World.
