By Melissa Butz
After Mass for the third World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis sat at the table with all those he invited.
It is for another year that he wanted to add this day in the calendar of Church celebrations. To do so, the Holy Father shared a table with the homeless, migrants and those who are marginalized.
He greeted his guests of honor affectionately. Then he blessed the table.
“Good morning to all. I welcome you. Thank you for being here,” said Pope Francis. “May the Lord bless you all. May God bless us all in this gathering of friends, during this lunch, and among your families. May the Lord bless everyone. Thank you. Enjoy your lunch.”
Pope Francis offered diners lasagna, chicken with mushroom sauce, fruit and coffee. It was a simple lunch — a small gesture that will not change the world. But perhaps the event can change the world of one abandoned person on the peripheries of society.